The Pat McAfee Show Live | Tuesday April 28th 2026

For real? Oh, no. Let's go.

IT'S LIKE CALIFORNIA.

>> THIS ONE IS FOR THREE. AJ HAWK, $5,000.

>> USA! USA! USA!

>> Oh my. Henry!

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>> Hello, beautiful people. And welcome to. our humble abode, the Thunderdome. On. this big GM Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, this program begins now. >> Sports. >> are the absolute greatest, and we're so. incredibly lucky that we get a chance to. chat about them every single day and. this is big GM Tuesday. We wouldn't say. that unless we had some GM stuff. happening and it would have to be big. Well, Les Snead, general manager of the. Los Angeles Rams, in the middle of this. Ty Simpson.

situation. >> Yeah. >> That has been brewing since the 13th. pick of the 2026 NFL draft. Ty Simpson, obviously quarterback from Alabama. We. all learned of him quickly as an NFL. prospect as Dan Orlovsky said he was the. best quarterback in this draft by far. through his tape study. He liked. Fernando Mendoza. He loved Ty Simpson. Turns out what he was thinking was not. just his own thoughts. It was also Les. Snead's thoughts of the Los Angeles Rams. alongside Sean McVay. Now, when the.

draft pick takes place, obviously the. world explodes. Dan Orlovsky was. actually on our show. He chugged an IC. Light Mango at a celebration, did a. couple laps, kept banging his microphone. off of the desk so his mic would boom. and then my mic would also boom. >> Correct. >> So, he's kind of ruining the entire. draft spectacular from an audio. standpoint, but he was taking a victory. lap cuz he knew that the film was. telling the truth that he thought he was. seeing. Now, he's a first round draft. pick. He's going to be the backup behind. Matthew Stafford for however long. Matthew Stafford would like is what Sean.

McVay said. But, Sean McVay also said, "Yeah, okay." to Ty Simpson on draft. night when he said, "Let's make history. together." And there was also a lot of. moments where he was saying, you know, he'll be battling with Stetson Bennett. and like trying to make sure Ty knew his. place in this entire thing. Then Ty. Simpson afterwards would say, "I I. I never met Sean McVay.". "Can't wait to get to work with him.". So, we're like we see these pictures of. Sean McVay's face when he. meme molded. Then we hear that he never. met Sean McVay. And Les Snead now is.

friends with this guy's dad. So, what the hell is going on with this. pick? And now Dan Orlovsky potentially. know that this entire thing was. happening. Then it comes out afterwards. Sean McVay's happy. He just wants. Matthew Stafford to know that this is. his team. And then Ty Simpson goes on. with Ian Fitzsimmons and Bernie and we. love Ian. >> Yeah, we do. >> Yeah. >> He is the man. He gives us uh. >> Yeah, smelling salts. >> smelling salts on the sideline of field. past the wake us up at every college. football game. Not that we need it, but. he he basically gives us a speech about. look around and then he cracks these. things open and then we're all.

as if we're about to go into this thing. Ty Simpson was on with Ian Fitzsimmons. and this is what he said just yesterday. >> Uh you know what you know crazy is. you know we tried to keep this you know. under wraps as long as we could. Um you. know it was something to where I knew. they were interested but you know they. wanted to you know make it private and. didn't want people to know that um you. know they they were interested so um. I had. some secret meetings with you know coach. McVay um and you know I just was.

trying to be on script and you know do. what you know everybody told me not to. tell anybody. Um so you know it it was. something to where I knew that they were. interested. Um I just didn't know when. Um and then you know sure enough. you know I had had a lot of confidence. in myself and that's why I decided to to. come out. Um you know if it if it wasn't. them I I felt like that it was going to. be somebody else. >> You mentioned secret meetings there. So. take us behind the scenes. What was that. like when you first met Sean McVay and.

then before the draft and then after the. draft? >> Good follow up. >> No, it was great. Um you know we we met. met at the facility and it was something. to where. you know we just talked for hours um and. hours and it was just football. It was. just straight football. Um and it was like a kid in a candy. store. You know where me and him are. sitting there and um. you know we're we're just going back and. forth just you know we we can. you can tell the obsession he has for. the game and you can tell the uh.

um you know the love he has for. quarterback play. It's something that. you know I appreciate and it's something. that I enjoy because, um, you know, I really uh I really, you. know, enjoy playing the position and. value the position. >> Okay, so that has people saying, well, is this Ty Simpson OR. LIE SIMPSON? >> I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR WHAT THE ACTUAL. STORY IS. Les Snead, the general manager. of the Los Angeles Rams, will join us in. 25 minutes or so. Feels like Ty Simpson.

is maybe one of the nicest guys of all. time and didn't know what the right move. was, but I think Les Snead will. hopefully clarify it a little bit from. their side and also chit-chat about. where the Rams stand at this exact. moment. They use a first-round pick from. this year to get Mcduffie in in the. defensive secondary, who's a stud. They. get a quarterback of the future now. You. get another piece there to potentially. go and win yourself a Super Bowl this. year. Maybe people will celebrate, but. you're thinking about the future. Then. you also get Mcduffie. It's like a. interesting game they got to play right. now. They got a vets They got vets that.

are great. They got a young defense. that's hungry. They got studs all over. the place. Can win now, also have to. plan for the future. Les Snead used to. be a [ __ ] them picks guy. >> Yeah. >> We're trying to win a Super Bowl in Los. Angeles here to win over the fans and. also kind of jump-start this entire Sean. McVay operation that we have over here. They went all in. Now they're on the. other side of it. They had two. first-rounders this year because they. had the Atlanta Falcons whenever they. made the trade last year for this year's. first-round pick. That ends up being the. pick for Ty Simpson. So if you go for. the Atlanta Falcons last couple. first-round picks,

it was Michael Penix out of nowhere. >> Yep. >> for backup quarterback situation to a. vet who had a lot of money in a. contract. And then the Falcons pick this. year first round, 13 overall, Los. Angeles Rams backup quarterback Ty. Simpson, which everybody was kind of. surprised for. So maybe the Falcons pick. next year, let's keep an eye on that and. see what the trend is going to continue. to be. But I'm excited to hear from Les. Snead, who has built a winner multiple. times, multiple different ways, and has. to pay people multiple different times. I can't thank him enough for joining us. in about 25 minutes to break down. everything that's going on with Ty, not.

meeting, then he is meeting, then. they're loving each other, hours, kid in. a candy store. >> What's going on? >> What's going on? Is this love affair. that's happening? How did SHAWN MCVAY. THAT'S WHY SHAWN McVay had to sell it so. hard on the afterwards. He's uh. I don't know the [ __ ] guy. >> I love Stafford. >> He's bad, man. And did Stafford know. they were doing it hours? Oh. So much drama, controversy. Not like the. controversy that was across the street. from the draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I'm sure they put up. record numbers. >> Oh, yeah. >> for what they just went through down. there whatever it is. But this is.

certainly something that'll get figured. out. I'm excited for Levis need. Also, uh Nick Caserio, Houston Texans general. manager will join us in the second hour. He's fresh off of just drafting dogs all. over the place. And oh yeah, they just. made Will Anderson the highest paid. non-quarterback in the history of the. NFL. So congratulations to him having a. monster team down in Houston and also. building from the messaging we're. getting from the building, uh building a. dogs only type of culture down there in. Houston, which is obviously scary in the. AFC South. Don't love that. Uh I guess. Mr. Rutledge just.

>> He's a mean cat. >> Yeah, breaking news. >> I guess he's just a mean cat. >> Red? >> Caden McDonald, gay uh D-tackle from. Ohio State that I got a chance to see. and uh watch him get drafted there on. the second night backstage. He paints. his whole face. >> Cool. >> Uh he paints his. That guy right there who seems, you. know, obviously incredible family. I had. a chance to meet them. I got a chance to. meet the whole family, talk to the whole. family. Loved Caden, loved his vibes. He. gets on a football field. Here's me and. his whole family meeting each other. Boom.

He paints his entire face. He's ready to. go to absolute war. It feels like. Caserio has a type. I'm excited to hear. what that is. I'm excited to hear where. they think they are. And what's going on. with C.J. Stroud? What's going on with. C.J. Stroud? How do you feel about him? He did look very thin at a workout just. like a week or two ago. We'll also be. joined by Q Rich, uh Pete Thamel, and uh. yeah. I mean, this should be a great. day. We're talking sports. The toxic. table's here at Boston Connor and and Ty. Schmidt. Ty, right now is where we kind. of start breaking down all the fallout. from the draft. We enjoy the playoffs,

but all eyes are on the regular season. Are the Green Bay Packers going to win. cuz I heard Michael Parsons is getting. in fights with Evgeni Malkin on Bell on. air now. >> Yeah, you know, he's been mixing it up a. little bit because that's Michael. Parsons football. >> Exactly. Exactly. And that was kind of. the the thing that all Packers fans knew. when we got Michael Parsons is hey, guess what? When football's not being. played, there's going to be stuff like. this. Okay, he's going to be mixing it. up with guys. He's going to be going on. draft shows and you know, taking shots. at Philly like he's still playing for. the Cowboys. You know, he he's a dog.

What are you going to do? Sometimes you. got to just unchain the dog, let him. roam. I I could care less what he does. outside of getting arrested. You do. whatever you want in the off season. That's your time, brother. You you know, you you do what you got to do. You say. what you got to say. And then come. football season, when we get you back in. there, you're ready to roll. >> Got to focus on football though up there. in New England. Is that what you're. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. I would say, you know, the getting. arrested rule is good. Probably there's. some other things that maybe you could. throw in there. Probably just stay away. from, but I mean it is a. >> It's not on the playlist now.

>> Look, look, look, look. >> I don't we CAN'T WE CAN'T. >> IT'S TURNED INTO A WITCH HUNT. >> WE CAN'T STOP NOW. >> IT'S TURNED INTO A WITCH HUNT. IT'S. [ __ ]. >> WE CAN'T STOP NOW. WE CAN'T STOP NOW. >> IT STOPS NOW. IT'S TURNED INTO A WITCH. HUNT. IT'S [ __ ] OKAY? And we have. to remember there are two damn families. involved, okay? >> He's right. We should turn the page. >> One half of the hammer. Cowboys taking on the Eagles here. >> NO. YOU SON OF A [ __ ] THAT'S NOT THE. NAME OF IT. IT'S [ __ ] ALL RIGHT? LET'S MOVE ON. TO BALL. >> WE ARE moving on to ball. You look.

phenomenal today. I really I really like. what you're doing here in the. >> Black and black, baby. >> Yeah, I appreciate it. Believe me, I. respect it more than anybody else out. there. Can we start getting some ideas. on how we can get the crown? I know. Sidney Crosby is starting to play really. good hockey right now. Tangier is. scoring all over the place. The boys are. buzzing. The Flyers look a little hot. Hey, >> They do, don't they? >> Hey, they're starting to look like THEIR. STUPID MASCOT. WHAT'S that thing's name? >> Gritty. >> There it is. >> Fuzzy. >> Like playing Pittsburgh saying you're. gritty. >> Yeah, okay.

>> But his eyeballs, you know, like this. That's kind of what the Flyers look like. right now cuz they're in a Sidney Crosby. buzzsaw. How you doing? Keep it moving. Sidney Crosby in seven was almost the. name of today's show before we found out. that both GMs could join us big GM. Tuesday. But what do we need to know. other than just betting on Sidney Crosby. right now that can maybe bring the crown. home in the NBA and the NHL. >> A lot of action every night right now. >> We are in a prime time to be watching. sport, to be gambling on sport, but I. would like to win and maybe get a crown. or two every once in a while.

>> Yeah, this week is actually really, really good week for betting. And. speaking of Philly and Gritty, uh if. that bell would have been made with US. steel, it wouldn't have cracked, okay? So just something to think about. Um but no, you What? >> What are bells made out of just so we. know? What normally? >> Probably some sort of bronze or brass. Um. >> Okay. >> But if it would have been steel, it. wouldn't have cracked. I just promise. you that. Uh but no, I mean, this is a really. awesome time cuz you have the NHL. playoffs every night, you have the NBA. playoffs every night, you have a full. lineup of baseball every single day. There is an elevated event uh for the.

PGA tour this week, so you're going to. get that. And then at the end of the. week, you get the the most the the most. betting thing of all time for. degenerates, the Kentucky Derby at the. end of the week. So this is kind of like. this is one of the best weeks of. gambling you can you can have basically. uh of all year to get the crown. There's a lot of options. Hockey's. tough. I mean, those those are one-goal. games, those are those are back and. forth besides with the couple that were. that just went clean sweep 4-0. And then. the NBA this year out of all years, like. and you look at it last night with the. Stones losing again to the Magic, like. it's been kind of unpredictable in the.

NBA as well. So good luck getting the. crown is kind of what I'm saying. >> like one of the automatic crowns, at. least for the past few games, is Cade. Cunningham over on turnovers. >> Yeah, no kidding. >> Yeah, he's really putting the over in. turn over, isn't he? What's he. Everybody's trying to be Tyrese. Haliburton? Is that what I read in the. group text? Everybody's trying to be. Tyrese whenever the lights get the. brightest and all of a sudden the ball. doesn't just on a string for everybody. >> the elastic arches. >> I can't blame Cade Cunningham because. his center, his all-star, a guy that was. supposed to be on the Olympic USA team.

starting center, Jalen Duren, hasn't. showed up. He's non-existent. He stinks. So, when that happens, everything in the. offense is going to change. Last night, I'll say it, was the worst basketball. game I've ever watched in my life. High. school, college, NBA, >> No, you've seen some bad Michigan State. basketball games. >> Trust me when I say it, these guys. brick. Other side, brick. Brick, brick, brick, turnover, turnover, turnover. It. was the worst game I've ever seen. It. was the ugliest game I've ever seen. If.

you want to watch bad basketball, you. watch Pistons versus Magic. It's insane. >> The Magic are kind of continuing to move. here. The Pistons, number one overall. seed in the East, kind of shiting the. bed right now, right in front of us. Maybe they're not ready for the moment. Maybe they need another year. Good luck. to them, but it's certainly a good time. to make fun of your Detroit friends cuz. they thought the Pistons were going to. suddenly go on a run for them. They have. not. Nine-year NFL vet, Darius Slay. Butler, is here. D-Butts, obviously, NHL playoffs are. without your team, the Florida Panthers, this year. The NBA playoffs, obviously,

electrifying. We'll be joined by Q-Rich. here in a matter of moments. This Ty. Simpson NFL fallout and with. Caserio coming on today, what are you. most excited to talk about? What do you. think is the big news around the NFL at. this exact moment? >> Uh honestly, the Ty Simpson. Want to see. uh what what uh GM Les Snead has to say. about that and and the other moves. Obviously, he made the uh Trent McDuffie. the highest-paid corner in the league. So, I'm excited to talk to him about. that as well. And then, Nick, you know, right here in our division. We all know. Nick very well. I'm interested to see. what he has to say as well. I'm excited.

about those GM conversations. And then, NBA basketball, the playoffs are still. on a hot start. So, I'm I love Q-Rich. Love Q-Rich as well. So, I'm excited. about that. >> Yeah, I love Q-Rich. We'll talk to him. in about an hour. I have the wrong time. in front of me for that. >> of a lot of moving parts there. >> What we don't have and what we haven't. brought up is the Aaron Rodgers. unrestricted free agent tender, okay, which the Pittsburgh Steelers have. placed on Aaron Rodgers. I believe that. allows them to still receive a. compensatory pick if he was to go to.

another team or play this upcoming. season. I think it also means that if. Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with another. team by the beginning of training camp, he won't be allowed to, basically. He. has to play for the Steelers. So, a. decision has to be made by the beginning. of training camp if he was going to play. elsewhere. There was some conjecture. from an Adam Schefter tweet that. initially rolled this out that basically. said like the Steelers have the right to. match or the right of first refusal. I. guess that's not exactly true, but they. will get compensatory pick if he was to. go to another team and that decision has. to be made before training camp as.

opposed to something that happens. afterwards from our understanding of. this rarely used tender, I guess, which. has an unrestricted free agent now. restricted. >> bit. >> How. >> Never heard of this. >> How does that work? >> I guess it's been used before is what we. were told in. in in the years past, I guess. >> J.K. Dobbins was the last one, I. believe, last year or the year before. that. >> Okay, so. now the big question is. do they think Aaron's potentially going. to play for somebody else, which is why.

they want a compensatory pick? Okay, that feels like big news if that is the. news. And how is Aaron going to react to them? Does this did they, you know, there's. just so much drama potentially around. this entire thing on all sides. Interesting move that I have not seen. and I had no idea this this has been. used before by teams. This this feels. like quite a loss by the NFLPA in the. negotiations of the CBA that a guy who's. played in the NFL for 20. >> Yeah, this is going to be Yeah, it's. like 23rd or 24th year he's in. >> 20 20 He had What if he What if his. decision was I'm going to wait till see.

if somebody gets hurt, go into a place, maybe be a mercenary here, you know, towards the end of my career. It's like, "Nope, actually you can't do that. You. have to decide you're going to do that. before the season starts. Like that's an. interesting little thing that I didn't. know existed. And shout out to I guess. the NFL's lawyers for negotiating this. in there cuz what an interesting little. tactic to keep somebody kind of having. to live in your world as opposed to. their own world. >> I guess I'm I'm just a fool. I thought. this would all be sorted out by the. draft. >> Yeah. >> Me? >> I guess we are still on Aaron Rodgers.

timeline and now with this wrinkle here. this interesting sure more details will. probably come out. about this. But this is very very What. What are those What would be those other. landing places? Especially right after. the draft where everybody has filled. whatever needs they have at the. quarterback position. We know injuries. always happen, but I mean Aaron at this. stage in his career would you go. somewhere and learn a new offense? Like. we all even with Mike Tomlin we all when. NBC said gun to head Aaron's going to be. the quarterback. Tone, you're back and. forth, you know.

>> I am not back and forth. See you later, dude. >> WHAT? >> OKAY. OH, SO I GUESS. >> THAT'S HOW I FEEL his name is too. >> Yeah, maybe the Arizona Cardinals would. be another LaFleur. >> Yeah. >> Uh you know, the immediate thought last. year if this conversation would have. been happening is the Minnesota Vikings. cuz the Minnesota Vikings were. potentially going to be in play with. Kevin O'Connell's offense and they got. Justin Jefferson and obviously they got. Addison. They had Aaron Jones last year. I mean they had weapons all over the. place. LaFleur on defense you'd expect. them to have success. They bring in. Kyler Murray. Kyler now basically going.

to be their guy. Two ends up where? In. Atlanta? >> Atlanta. >> And then Miami is uh. >> Malik. Malik. >> Malik Willis. >> I mean the Browns aren't aren't scared. to add another quarterback. >> to the Jets maybe. >> I mean you're right, the Browns could. potentially add another quarterback. >> like Rodgers go go play for the Browns. in his in his last year. >> Now Jordan Love is ready. >> Join the room. >> Yeah, join a room, okay? >> But hey, a contract offer's out there. now. We know it's 15 million, right? One year. 15 million that's kind of what this. tender does. So Aaron can't say that.

there's not a contract offer out there. anymore. >> It's a 10% raise off of last year's. salary, which would pay him about 15. million Schefter, but I thought it was. 10 million. Wouldn't that be 11 million then instead. of 15 million? Whatever the case is, this particular tender has placed the. amount of money in a formal offer, I. guess from the. Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers has. now been publicly made, I believe is. what this would be, and compensatory. picks if he was to go elsewhere. >> Yeah, and it kind of puts a deadline on. Aaron now by that if you do want to play.

for another team or whatever, you need. to do it by the by the time camp comes. cuz we'd also like to know what our. quarterback situation by the time we. open camp. >> You got Will Howard and Drew Allar. >> What? >> And Mason. >> And Mason Allar. >> Sounds like you already turned the page. >> Yeah, vibes-wise I am. >> Yeah, why why though? Why why are you so. good time Pittsburgh just had a great. >> Pittsburgh had a great time. >> folks come through the NFL draft. >> And all the players were saying like, "Hey, if Aaron doesn't come back, Will. Howard's our guy." They're all speaking. glowingly of him. He's he's at a Luke. Combs concert shotgunning beers. He's.

not trying to find the stars or whatever. he's doing out there. Yeah, he knows he. wants to He Will knows he wants to play. football. >> will be if he plays 23 years in THE NFL. >> THE STARS? >> UNBELIEVABLE. Will Howard is good leader. though, they say. Not saying that Aaron. isn't, but it was very obvious that Will. Howard was QB1 at the Pittsburgh. Penguins game that we went to. Both in. the parking lot before we went in there. waiting for Will. When Will got there, QB1. Whenever he was in the Pittsburgh. Penguins building, it's a hockey night. in Pittsburgh. Will Howard in the middle.

of that entire thing. I believe at ribbon-cutting ceremony, Will Howard was like very much Will. Howard acting like QB1 around teammates. >> Yeah, and I guess that's cuz he is, right? Right. >> Technically as of right now as whatever. the phase one mini camp whatever last. week, yes, he was QB1. >> And he also came out and said, "If Aaron. comes back, cool. I get another year. watching Aaron Rodgers. If not, I'm. ready to go." It's like feels like I. have believed in Will Howard. longer I think than most. >> You have. >> You have, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Longer longer than most. >> Yeah. >> And and what. >> Still do.

>> And I still yeah from what we saw from. him and at the combine freezing cold. warm up the arm doing the entire thing. going through a situation. >> That's right. >> No cameras just so happen to have an. employee that we happen to know walking. by at the time because we're in. Indianapolis. We were called liars for. saying that that Will Harris not out. there in 45 degree weather working or. whatever and it was like actually. >> He was. >> Actually he was. Everything we saw of. him with Ohio State he had a celebration. with every guy on the team. He was. brought in for big money. They had two. losses during the regular season. obviously Oregon and Michigan. They got. the flag planted in their face. That.

team could have turned against him. That. team could have completely turned. against him and say it's your fault dude. our team was really good. You come in. here we're ass. This is on you because. he made a couple bad plays. Oregon. slides in there. Michigan we think he. potentially got knocked out but didn't. play his his best football game there. That team could have killed him. >> Mhm. >> The fans were. >> Oh yeah. >> That team could have killed and instead. it was the complete opposite through the. entire playoff run and then they won the. national championship. It was like I. think I believe in that guy. And he's. also gigantic. >> Huge. >> And he can move and I think that's a big. deal in the NFL. >> Also it's kind of like um.

a thing where you find out about your. future if Will does get the start this. year. Um if let's I mean the people said. this about this this draft class this. year and it turned out it was just. Mendoza and Ty Simpson but if if the. draft class turns out to be what it is. next year don't you kind of want to find. out what you have in the building right. now and you're not going to do that with. Aaron. >> Okay let's pivot away from the NFL and. let's go to massive scandal. in college football. >> Yeah. >> It's a big deal for all of sports. certainly collegiate sports because. there's a lot more athletes in that.

Gambling becoming as readily available. and prevalent as it is to society has. certainly become a little bit of. adversity for leagues having to monitor. their own players and coaches. Obviously. Pete Rose is who everybody kind of. points to in the sports world whenever. you get drafted into a professional team. or you're playing college football or. college sports of all. We me and D. But. have had to sit through numerous. meetings at every single level saying, "Don't be Pete Rose. Do not gamble. Do. not put the integrity of the game ever.

in question. If you do that, it can ruin. it for everybody." That is still very. real, but gambling is much easier to do. as opposed to the back CD days that was. always happening, but certainly not as. easily available. Now, we have a story. that is rocking college football. Brendan Sorsby, formerly of the. University of Cincinnati, transferred to. Texas Tech as the number one quarterback. in the transfer portal. Guy was an. absolute stud at Cincy. Texas Tech has. all-stars all across the board. They got. a lot of money from. They They take shovels out there.

>> Shovels, yeah. >> And they go down, and then there's this. They literally live. on top of what provides for them, which. is just oil, dire. >> That's right. >> They got a lot of oil. They're building. a monster down there. They have a. monster down there. Obviously, number. two overall pick, David Bailey, is from. Texas Tech. That's only going to. continue with what they were able to do. Brendan Sorsby, highly sought after by. everybody. Texas Tech wins the battle. They're going to go Now, he's in a. residential treatment for a gambling. addiction. And it's come out that he. gambled on games in which he was a part. of the team at Indiana his freshman.

year, even though he did not play, which. was the school he was at before. Cincinnati. Then there was a report that. there was over a thousand bets made. And. then there was some baseball bets. allegedly made for like a buck or 250. Now, we await what is going to happen. for all of this. We assume massive. suspension or penalty to Brendan Sorsby, but the man who will know is the man who. put out all these tweets. Ladies and. gentlemen, joining us now, the authority. of college sports, Pete Thamel. Pete, thank you for joining us. Every. time you join us, it's seemingly. something super serious. That is why we. bring you in here. You are the man for.

the job. This is a big deal, obviously, not only for Sorsby, his family, his. trajectory, Texas Tech, but college. football as a whole. Can you kind of. take us where we're at, how they found. out, and what's possible with this. entire thing? >> Yeah, Pat, let's start with the with the. macro. I I think culturally you touched. on it. This is a This is a giant story. He will become the first face of. collegiate gambling. There has obviously. been other instances, even some of the. college basketball gambling stuff that I. came on your show about a little while.

ago. Came out today in terms of prop. bets and everything, but he is the first. major college athlete to be the. centerpiece of this. This is someone who. projected as a first round pick. in the 2027 NFL draft. He's a $5 million. plus portal edition. He was number one. in Max Olson's East Beat Portland ranks. this year. Brenden Sorby is one of the. faces of college football. So, for him. to come out. enter a a gambling addiction. in-house treatment is residential. treatment, I should say, is just. certainly like an eye-popping.

moment for the sport, for gambling, and. you know, the intersection of gambling. and sports has never been has never been. more together. Like you said, everything's available on on your hand. and and such. So, I think what people want to know, Pat, is, you know, will he play college. football again? And he, you know, I. would say he faces long odds to to do. that right now. If you dial into what. the NCAA has listed in terms of. potential punishments for what he's. accused of doing, you know, if you bet on your own team.

while you are a member of that team, you know, you face a you face a. permanent ban. And so, that is that that. is sort of the odds that Brenden Sorby. is is up against. Is there leniency for. him coming out and admitting it? Is. there, you know, is there does there Is. there an evolution in thought because of. the pervasionist of the gambling? Those. are all things that are that are being. bandied or bandied around right now. But. by the pure letter of the law, it would be, you know, he faces a long. uphill climb in order to play football.

at Texas Tech next year, and he. certainly doesn't have any other. eligibility past that. He's played four. redshirted and then played three. So, this is his final actual year of uh. eligibility. >> Okay, so uh thank you for all of that. You used some words in there that are. awesome and I'll try to use them later. Bandy around. >> Bandy about. >> Bandy about. Yeah, whatever it is in the. in its entirety. So, it said it was a. gambling app. So, that would mean that. they can track all of his bets. >> Mhm. >> Uh the people that'll be investigating. him at the NCAA will be able to see all.

of his bets, right? Will we publicly be. able to know all of his bets because. obviously we've heard of this freshman. bet at IU when he wasn't playing and he. bet on them to win allegedly is what it. all is. I'm not saying that that means. he should be okay cuz he bet on them to. win. We cannot I I've stood pretty firm. as somebody who has gotten into sports. gambling. uh as a retired athlete, as somebody. that comes from Pittsburgh, okay, as. somebody that knows a lot of people that. have my entire life have been doing. this. The people playing the sport and. the people covering the sport talking. about gambling are two very different.

things. And the people that are playing. the sport know that and they've been. told that their entire life. It's for. the good of the entire everything. I. mean, you can't have people questioning. whether or not a game is rigged or if. everybody's trying to work against it. That takes down all of sports. So, I. understand people are going to attack us. cuz we obviously promote DraftKings at. this point and DraftKings is all over. our stuff and we talk about sports. gambling. That's because the fans and. the people covering it can treat sports. gambling a little bit differently than. the people that are actually playing it. There's a responsibility. There is a uh. accountability process of like whenever.

you're playing the sport, you are and it. sucks that this is happening during. their era, but you are what society is. betting on. You cannot be a part of the. action until you retire. I think it's. understood by all athletes. I think that. is. But, it is kind of an interesting. uh dilemma to talk about as we are like. and on that note, Texas Tech over/under. is 7 and 1/2 now without Sorsby. They. got to like it's it's an cuz it is so. just a part of culture, but we should expect, I think. personally, the athletes to stay out of.

it. Like we have it has to happen cuz. everything falls if that is the thought. >> with the game. >> Everything falls if the people watching. even the sports books are done. They'll. stop taking bets on like everything. about. everything is over. So, I don't know. It's It's tough for me to talk about. because I'm so against it, but I do. gamble on games. So, as somebody that. covers the sports in which we talk. about. So, it's like. It's an interesting time in our in our. society. So, maybe the rules do evolve a. little bit, especially if they can see. every bet that has been made, you know?

>> Yeah, Pat. I'm sure the NCAA is going to. end up with access to what bets were. made. I don't think we'll know that. we'll know that publicly, but one thing. as you know, the story broke yesterday. afternoon and in the day went on, I got. a ton of calls from college football. coaches wanting to know exactly what. happened, why it happened and because. they weren't like looking for the tea. What they What they wanted to do was. scare the pants off their team in team. meetings today. I guarantee you every. team in college football that met today, the first slide that came down on the.

projector was a picture of Brendan. Soursby and all the assorted headlines. from all the different media outlets and. clips for what happened because this. stuff right now, Pat, as you said, is so. accessible to everyone and you know, look, there's monitoring, right? Like if. you if you remember the the baseball. scandal that took down the Alabama. baseball coach. They They knew like what. cement block he was on the guy who who. placed the bets who got the inside. information. Like they could track you. by like to the foot of of where you are. and where you make these bets. The.

technology is is unbelievable and and. you hit the nail on the head, Pat. These. are billion-dollar, multi-billion-dollar. industries and if the integrity of the. game is under question, that is a giant. threat to these billion-dollar. industries. So, um. there is there's massive education like. you and Dabo talked about. I'm sure you. sat through a ton of those meetings, but. there's also everyone's phone in major. college football that I know of. depending on what service they use is. subject to an app where where can track.

what you download and when you do and. and pings go back to to that. So, clearly Brendan Sorsby had a way around. that. You know, if you remember the Iowa. Iowa State scandal, which I'm sure Ty. does, it was one of the participants in. that had his mom open up the you know, open up the gambling. the gambling app for him and he bet. through his mom's account. But, like the. one of the lessons here is those. workarounds don't work. Like, you will. eventually get caught. There's just. there's just too much information that. that's available right now. So, uh you.

know, Brendan Sorsby right now looms as. a cautionary tale for for all of college. sports. >> Yeah, the trail is always going to lead. to you at some point. I mean, it's just. kind of how it goes, especially with the. geo-tagging of where the betting is. I. guess last question on this entire thing. and we appreciate you so much for your. time. When were these bets being made? Cuz I saw a number like a thousand plus. and then I saw some baseball stuff being. posted. Was there baseball bets? Like, what do we know as of this moment when. his most recent bets were? Was there Ty. was like, is this happening at. Cincinnati? You know, like, what what is.

the most recent bet? >> So, my understanding of the betting. timeline is that it it started when he. arrived at Indiana in in 2022 and went. through his time at Cincinnati. I I. don't know, Pat, if he had bet at all. since he arrived at at Texas Tech. That. that information hasn't been available. to me, but the sheer vastness of this is. is something that's is is something. that's really significant, right? Like, you have thousands of bets. Now, he. wasn't betting, you know, thousands of.

dollars a game. This was, you know, balls and strikes, small stuff. The kind. of things, quite frankly, kids his age. do. Like, when I walk through the crowd. on game day to go do one of my injury. hits, people just scream like a random. tailback, "What do you think? Plus minus. 78 yards today?" Like, that is how that. age and that generation consumes sports. They're they don't consume it through. the hey, is West Virginia, just to use. your example, going to win today? They. view it through their their own personal. prism of I have a bet on this prop, on. this guy, on this team. How will that,

you know, how will that unfold? >> As somebody who played a lot of cards, poker pretty big part of my story, somebody that played blackjack, you. know, pretty big high limits throughout. most of my NFL career, and they would. get mad about us either accepting free. drinks at casinos, but they could have. scratch-offs. It's like the constant. debate on what you're allowed to gamble. on, what you're not allowed to gamble. on, where you're allowed to gamble, how. you're allowed to gamble, has always. been happening in sports, at least in. the NFL. Now in college, it's like if.

these if we know that this guy's betting. on balls and strikes, it's like that's. not a big deal, right? >> No, not at all. >> That can't be a big deal. But if he's. betting on his on football, on his team, it's like that I think is probably the. one. And now it's already out there they. bet on Indiana as a freshman. It's like. he wasn't playing though. >> That's. >> So, now the conversation is. >> Still though, if you're in that building. though. >> I agree. >> Especially in college where you don't. have to put all the injury information. like you do in the NFL. So, you're. you're privy to so much. >> bets while he's the starting quarterback.

at Cincinnati in any capacity, like he's. dead to rights. There's just there's no. there's no wiggle room there, I don't. think. >> Pete, keep us updated, will you, please? >> Thanks, Pat. Cheers, guys. >> Hey, have you talked to Cody Campbell. down at Texas Texans this is all. happening? What happens with that? Legit. >> that like some type of breach of. contract? >> I would assume. >> And who replaces the starting QB there. in Texas Tech? >> Well, the the contractual piece, depending on how this unfolds, will be a. fascinating one, and there's no answers. to that 24 hours out here, D-Butt, but. it is a compelling question. We haven't.

ever seen anything quite like this. You know, the backup at Texas Tech is a. young man named Will Hammond. If you. remember Texas Tech's win at Utah this. year, Will Hammond subbed in for Baron. Morton. Baron Morton was obviously. dealing with those leg issues all year, and Will Hammond balled out that day. I. think he was 13 of 16 passing, two. touchdowns. He's dual threat, he ran for. you know, 60-something yards. He was he. was a weapon that day as you would like. to say Pat. And they really thought of. him as you know, as the future of Texas.

Tech football. He tore his ACL. midway through last year, I believe in. October. So his projected timeline. according to Joey McGuire to return, the. best case scenario McGuire said this. spring is week three of next year. I Texas Tech has an FCS game to open, they go to Oregon State and then week. three they play Houston on a on a Friday. night. Now, again, those timelines can. change, be sped up, etc. But Will. Hammond is likely the future of Texas. Tech if Soresby isn't available. They.

did bring in a veteran from Tulsa named. Kirk Francis who started a bunch of. games in his career. He's kind of your. classic modern third string quarterback. who's been around a little bit, played a. little bit and you know, could certainly. function in those in those early games. What they can't do is go get another. Division I quarterback right now. There's no spring portal and the NCAA's. eliminated ghost transfers which is a. favorite term of all of ours. Meaning they can't induce some guy to. like de-enroll and then re-enroll. outside of the portal as it happened a. little bit in the in the past. So.

>> But a really good quarterback and see. what's going on down there and. potentially understands. Right? That's a possibility? >> No, you can't do that anymore. >> Okay. >> I like to hear that. College football's. kind of getting maybe back on track a. little bit, maybe a little bit of some. guardrails so everybody can thrive. What. we know is happy gambling on games. We. shall see what takes place with Brendan. Soresby. We appreciate you ladies and. gentlemen. That's Pete Thamel. >> That's crazy. >> It's terrible. >> If the spring portal still existed, there'd be a.

>> So he he said that. like a good QB at some school can't you. say. I'm dropping out here and then. publicly announcing saying I don't go to. school at this place anymore and then. maybe even at Cody Campbell. >> If I saw that if that happens with the. new rules Joey Maguire would be uh. suspended for half of this football. season. So the head coach would be. suspended for half the season and there. was some other stuff. So. >> It's crazy what's going on there. All I. know is we we need the game. >> Yeah. >> The game has to remain the game and to.

Soursby obviously this sucks that this. is all happening. But he had to have sat through at least. 10 different conversations about not. happening. You know. And it is a time. where sports gambling is very prevalent. Not that it wasn't before. You know, depending on where you're from. You. know, the spread and where money was and. everything was always a part of sports. conversations. I mean I don't I don't want to continue. to harp on this but like. a lot of Italians. I grew up around a. lot of Italians.

>> You could say it louder. Go ahead. >> I grew up around all the Italians. Okay. I think we realize that every time we go. back to Pittsburgh when another Italian. shows up. >> We run a great book. >> Why you saying that like it's a bad. thing? >> Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. >> I. Well, I'm saying it cuz I don't want you. guys to think that I'm saying it as a. bad thing. Remember I Which who knows. where that went now hindsight. >> We take a lot of pride. >> 20 hindsight 23 and me. I don't know. where the hell that all went. But on. that note .01% of time. So I don't like. the way I was talking about me as a. child either. Okay, what I was saying to. you guys. But I grew up around like all.

Italians. That entire culture sports. conversation is. you're talk that is just what it is, you. know. Now that it's legalized and very. prevalent and very available, it is. certainly scary. NBA's had some stuff. The NFL is the NFL? >> Yeah. >> Oh yeah. Oh yeah. >> Yeah, guys getting kicked off the field. >> Oh yeah. >> Calvin Ridley. >> Yeah, it's been a little bit. Yeah, it's. been a little bit but certainly had. happened here. College football now, college hoops it's like everywhere. >> Baseball had the guys too. >> But we got to make sure everybody knows.

it's not the majority. >> No. >> And it never will be. But on that note. can't have it. Every time it pops up. it's like oh, what it what's real what's. not real. Can't have anybody thinking. that because sports is the greatest. thing on earth and everybody comes. together thinking what's happening out. there is actually happening out there. and that has to maintain forever for the. good of everything. >> Yeah, and to what Pete was saying too. like the location services on every. single app. They really do know exactly. where you're at. If you're on the. sidewalk, they know what foot of the. sidewalk you're actually on but and they. even reopen them. We saw it with Terry.

as here this morning. That came through. the wire. They're going back into that. entire thing and. >> Yeah, so we're in a generation right now. of turnover. >> It's a tough spot cuz I. >> Transition turnover right now. It's. tough. >> Yeah. >> Very very tough and we we are teasing. peas everybody to not do it and also. know you're going to be so much better. at gambling when you're done. When. you're retired, you're going to be so. much better at gambling. Okay, we just. got to make sure it's there whenever. you're done. So, let's go ahead and lock. in and let's do the sports. Joining us. now ladies and gentlemen is a man who uh. he's not scared to do a little gambling. himself, huh?

>> I know he's not. >> He'll send some picks to get some guys. He'll make some trades. He'll certainly. make some moves that'll raise some. eyebrows. Ladies and gentlemen, Super. Bowl champion Stidham, general manager. of the Los Angeles Rams, Les Snead. >> Yeah, Les. >> How you doing, Les? >> How's it going, guys? >> You two you and I we have a similar. look. Do do we not? That's what I just. realized here. Yeah. >> You know, I was I was looking at my hair. thinking it was not good enough to go on. your show but you know, that's. you know, we.

we're in black. You know what I mean? So, all right. We could we could maybe. be cousins. >> Kind of basic white looking, you know, we got the blockheads. The hair very. similar. I want to let you know I look. at uh. the [ __ ] you're doing, how you're. designing your hair for inspo for me. So, just know that that's happening on a. daily basis. So, whenever you mail it in. when you mail it in, you're screwing me. too. Okay? So, let's remember that. whenever you decide not to do your hair. You look fantastic fresh out of the. draft. Let's talk about the big news. Ty. Simpson at 13. Congratulations. Congratulations. Ty Simpson at 13.

Uh okay, so Ty comes out afterwards and. says he hasn't met. uh Coach McVay. Coach McVay comes out. and says like, "Hey, me and Les Snead. love each other. The reason why I was. acting the way I was acting is cuz I. want Matthew Stafford to know that this. is his team. He plays as long as he. wants to play." And then Ty Simpson. talks to Fitz, who we love on Amber and. Ian, and tells him, "I had conversations. for hours and hours with McVay about. ball." Can you just tell me how we got. here, why we got here, and is it Ty.

Simpson or is it. LIE. SIMPSON? Les Snead, what. >> Well, I'll clear Here's what I do. If. you all have met Ty, I think you know. him. Lying's probably not in his DNA. >> Okay. I'll get to Let's get to the. meeting gate first. And then we'll we'll. go from there. Here Here's probably. where it all starts and and and. we'll get into the boring weeds of the. NFL. There's top 30s. Uh let's start. with the combine. At the combine, you. can you can interview 45 people. Let's.

call it officially under 4 18 to 20. minutes. There's some other let's call. it let uh what are they I I forget what. they're called now, where you can. interview people in other set settings. But let's get the post combine. Such a. thing is top 30s, right? What are top. 30s? You can bring your players right. into your uh basically to your facility. Bring them to your city. What happens. there is there is a lot of logistics. that go with top 30s. Lot of times. players are are doing multiple. You're.

working with other teams uh to sometimes. get a player from their facility to. yours at a certain time. At the end of. the day, these things become more. public. Uh and and also it there's a you. could get into some of the things when. you're go when you're flying back and. forth as a player to all these cities. and time zones, and then there's a. draft, and then a couple weeks later. there's OTAs. You can get into some soft. tissue issues. So, here's what I'm. saying. Here's what we do. We don't Historically, we do not do top.

30s uh here at the Rams, right? And the. main reason is this is hey, a lot of. times when those meetings become public, let's call it a team that's behind you. let's say they're interested in that. player somewhere along the way in the. draft, things like that. They could. easily you never know who's lurking from. behind. So, let's say you're picking 55, 65, whatever it is, and all of a sudden. someone moves the 64. because they think you might pick that. player. At that point, there's nothing.

you can do. You can just sit, wait, see. what they do, and if they pick the. player you want. So, there's a little. strategy there. We Our last top 30, 2023, Kobe Turner. So, uh and the reason. we did Kobe is he wasn't invited to. Indy. Indy's where a lot of the medical. uh let's call it physicals occur. And a. lot of times if you're planning on. drafting a player, you'd like to bring. him to your, right, to your city, let. him go through a physical with your. medical team. So, really two 2023's our.

last top 30. So, last year, what we like. to do is go meet the player, right, on. their campus. And and I would call in. this draft cycle, we did 66 private. meetings with players. Uh in let's call. it 2025 draft cycle, we did 61 private. meetings with players. That's not shown. in I all the time. We're not going to go. see 66. So, it's different people in our. building going to connect with these. players. We usually don't work them out,

Pat. We we're we're hey, they played. football, we've seen them practice, we've seen them play games. A lot of. times they've done the combine. A lot of. times they've done their pro day day. Some teams will go to these places and. work them out and meet. We usually like. to get them, meet the kid, also do this. that you know how important it is with. with installations, whether you play. offense or defense, install some of our. scheme, right, allow those players to. spit it back to us, see how they're.

processing football, see how they're. relating what they've done in the past. to ours, how fast it might take them to. get up to speed and help the Rams. And. also we'll also talk ball with them. about what they've been doing. So, that's so at the end of the day here's. here's where it went awry. We do like to. emphasize, Pat, "Hey, look, try to keep. these private meetings between us, right? For that gamesmanship. Just you. know, we like for other teams not to. know we're interested, right? So, we do.

emphasize that a little stronger than we. try to keep it between us. You know, and. so if you go to another team and they. ask a lot of times teams will ask, "Where have you visited?" I know this, a. lot of teams will keep up who's Hey, where where has players been on top 30s? Where have they you know, who was at the. pro day, right? And you're trying to at. the end of the day figure out who may. take a player or who may not. So, we. emphasize keep it quiet. Feel really bad. for Ty. He stayed on script. Poor guy. stayed on script.

>> it He sold it after the draft, biggest. night of his life. He's talking to you. guys on the phone, still selling it. Like in his mind can't tell anybody. Goes on stage, can't tell anybody. Goes. and does the interview post, "I've never. met Coach McVay.". >> In his mind though, he knows that what. you guys did in one of your 66 meetings. That's insanity by the way. That's. incredible uh due diligence on everybody. flying to them to go see how they. operate in their world. He said it went. great. Were you in that meeting for. multiple hours with Ty? >> in that meeting with him and him and. Sean for sure.

>> Okay, so. >> they talked. at a high level. Uh they were above my, you know what? I was I was I was. I was planning my next haircut. appointment, Pat. >> Smart. >> They were about three levels ahead of. me. >> I understand. That's why you hire Sean. McVay to be the head coach and offense. coordinator. I think that's why we were. so confused whenever it came out like. Sean McVay was not a part of the process. cuz that's what it sounded like whenever. Ty Simpson says. uh that he never met Sean McVay. It's. like, well, that's your head coach and. offense coordinator and you're drafting. a quarterback at 13. That doesn't.

>> You know what I do know, I think y'all. all know Sean. There's, you know, we're. there's no way he would pick a QB. without meeting him. That's that's what. we do know. I think I think that's. probably common sense and I understand. kind of why it got convoluted. Hey, Ty. stayed on script. We were really trying. to keep it from other teams. So and when. he when he when we were able to connect. with him when he came out cuz he visited. us the next day and we were able to say, "Yes, you can let everyone know that you. visited with Ty with. Sean and.

And so here we are. >> I like you. >> I would let's Hey, get Hey, who's your. graphics guy? This is not Lie Simpson. That's cuz Lie Simpson, he's staying on. script. Poor guy, you know what? He's so. earnest, that's what he's doing. >> Let's wipe Let's put a line through Lie. Simpson. We'll put a It's Ty Simpson. >> I need to see a graphics guy work. I. want to process it. >> That's fake. That's fake. >> It'll happen right now. It'll cook right. now. That's a Rams fan that made that. graphic and it was against his, you. know, it was against his better. judgment. He did not want to do it. We. knew there had to be some sort of story.

Now, have you. Have you ever seen a player even after. the draft continue the gimmick because. the And how do you feel immediately upon. watching him continue the gimmick? Do. you think, "Wow, this guy is all in.". >> Yeah. >> And for Ty Simpson, he's basically. saying, "These guys have never lied to. me. There's no reason for me to cuz I'm. sure there's been people that have been. told like the Dallas Cowboys told me. they were going to draft me." Okay, Dallas Cowboys told they. told me they were going to draft me. >> You know, kind of they told you were. going to draft you. >> Yeah. >> Okay, so then it happens. So I have. trust issues. I have trust issues with.

NFL teams from that moment there. I. assume there's a chance that Ty, obviously there's a relationship between. I believe you, his dad, I think that. that was obviously getting called into. it all. He had good faith to trust you to not. tell anybody and then when you draft. him, he's like, "I'm not I'm not ruining. this at all. I'm excited about it." How. did you feel whenever he continued to. lie immediately afterwards? And what do. you. >> Yeah, I Here's what happens after you. make the call, there's a lot going on. It's not like we're now following what. Ty Simpson is is is saying in.

interviews. And And historically here, Pet, we haven't had a pick like it's. been a long time since we picked this. early as 13. So, a lot of times players. we pick late first or we've traded that. pick or we've traded out of the first. into the second. Those players aren't at. the draft, right? They're not in. Pittsburgh. They're not going through. this, let's call it media gauntlet per. se. So, it wasn't really until. maybe it was that night or even the next.

morning that you realized, "Wow, Ty did. say he. you know, he hadn't met with us." So, we. wanted to make sure we connected with. him and and let him know, "Hey, you can. you can tell people you met with us. The media is not the teams that we're. competing with.". >> That's awesome. I love that he just. continued it, you know? So happy. Deep. down in his heart, too, he's just like, I don't know if he's enjoying it. Like, oh, he's You'll never know in this. entire thing. And then him having to. come clean, obviously an interesting. start. Another reason why it's an. interesting start is because MVP,

literally, quarterback. And we had seen. this before, just couple years back in. Green Bay. Different situation, but. similar certainly. Go ahead, Con Man. >> Yeah, Les, how did the conversation go. with Matt Stafford? Obviously, he is. kind of the ultimate professional and he. understands that this is proven to work. for teams, especially in the long haul. But what was that kind of back and forth. like and when did you actually let him. know, "Okay, this is definitely. happening. We're taking Ty Simpson.". >> You know, we I know Sean sat down with.

Matthew and Sean was the one that was. communicating what our plans were if if. Ty were to fall to 13. By the time we. chatted with Matthew, there was a if you. want to call it good guess to me that Ty. would have a chance to fall to 13. I. think I think at the end of the day. Matthew's a very very smart player. He. comprehends right what's what the plan. is. He understands it. He's a. professional. That's what he does. And. at the end of the day he's the he's the. reigning MVP. We were able to articulate.

this to along the way. And and this. whole plan really let's call it it it it. it it evolves organically going back to. when the season ended when we were able. to lick our wounds, right, recover from. the loss, go through the grieving. process that you do have when you get. right to the final four and you don't. make it to the final two and all of. that. Once once we were able to get back. in the building begin the blueprint and. Matthew was to say, "You know what? I. want to come back.".

You know, that's hey, that's step number. one. This is awesome. We're going to. continue chasing special moments with. Matthew and right his teammates our. core. But one of one of our one of our. top priorities was let's recharge that. corner room. Well, we had two picks in. this draft. Pick 13 was a bonus pick. It. was from from Atlanta. So, as we go. through this process, there's a group of. us that get together every morning and. we spend probably two two and a half. three hours with Shawn every morning. starting right there at the end of.

February probably all the way through. draft day. And we're going to begin the blueprint. of free agency who we were signed back. all of that that leads into the draft. lands. Well, what we determined is this. Okay, with the 29 it's probably better. is is the corners we like in this draft. will probably go before 13. So, let's. say it's you know, let's say it's the. kid who from LSU who I can't forget. where he went. Kansas City traded up. with him. Let's say that was our guy. We.

wanted to recharge. We had a good guess. that we weren't going to be able to. solidify that corner room with even the. 13th pick. So, okay, let's pivot. Let's. Let's use 29 trade for McDuffie. Here's. what doing the QB this year does for us, right? There's an element that we are. able to get a possible successor, come. in and and and hey, earn equity, be a. backup. But, what it does in the future. is this. Is uh hopefully we're picking. late. Let's call it that. Let's call it.

27 draft, 28 draft. But, when you have a QB that right is in. the twilight of his career, a lot you. want to save some of those early picks, right? To ensure just in case Matthew. decides, "I've had enough. It's coming soon. It. Hey, it's his timeline. He's the MVP. He. wins two more MVPs for three straight, we'll take it, right? Take that out of. it. I know Matthew will do this. would. say he probably rather win championships.

than MVPs. But, at the end of the day, when you're not sure when he might say. it's over, you like to. versus proacting for the next QB. maybe. use those picks, right? To add different. players to chase special with Matthew, whether it's through the draft or doing. you know, doing what we did with Trent. McDuffie and and adding a veteran. >> Thank you for explaining your entire. process there, genuinely. That was a. really cool ride to kind of go alongside. of you there. And I do appreciate the.

fact after it all, Sean McVay had to hit. you on the shoulder publicly and say, "This is my guy right here." And you. just said, "Yeah, every morning we are. together through this entire process." I. appreciated that Ty Simpson continued to. sell the gimmick afterwards that they. met. And I also appreciate the fact that. you did the math on how many corners you. think will be around. We need to fix. this problem. Let's go ahead and send 29. out of here to get a playmaker. D-Butt. has a question for you, Les. >> Yeah, you brought up. >> Hey, that's what we do. That's why we. get up early and do it. >> Absolutely. Bro Watson in as well. Um. I've signed him from the Chiefs as well. But, Uh, Trent McDuffie specifically.

Not only did you trade for him, but you. made him the highest-paid corner uh in. the National Football League. I know as. a viewer I was watching your defense. last year. Now, you don't pressure a. lot, you play a lot of zone coverage. I. wanted Hey, can we just get a little. more sticky, especially down this. coverage uh down the stretch in. coverage? So, what was your exact. thoughts when it came to trade for Trent. and then make him the highest-paid. corner in the league? >> Well, I think I think if you I think. Trent's one of those players that. probably gets sticky, but he also. probably has the right to instincts to. football. uh instincts we call it the to play off.

the play vision, right? Know when to. break, when not to break, but he also. can play sticky. There's those moments, too, where uh in certain situations you. can move him into what we call the star. and allow him to play uh some of those. hard downs on some of those players, depending on the player, the scheme, all. those things, even blitz him a little. bit. And I think you mentioned Jaylen, and I I appreciate you doing that forgot. it cuz he was a big part of the plan of. basically bringing in. uh I could tell you about that. Seeing. uh Brett Veach and and uh Big Red at the.

owners meeting, and it's like you kind. of feel guilty you took their defensive. backfield. I mean, there's that it's. that awkward moment like. But, point being is on that, hey, if. you've met Jaylen, it's almost like he's. a defense I mean, he's like he's a. defensive end. He's a big big. a long player. So, if you're building a. basketball team, you have Trent McDuffie. stop-start, can get sticky, but Big. Jaylen can match up with some of the. bigger wide receivers, too, and then we. fill in from there. >> Okay, I love the mindset behind all of.

it. McDuffie's a stud. Congrats to him. getting out to LA and getting paid. Speaking of getting out to LA and having. the time of his life, go ahead, Ty. >> Yeah, Les, I'd say it was a rousing. success uh bringing Davante Adams. You. know, it seemed like every time you turn. on the game, he's scoring multiple. touchdowns. But, there were a couple. reports that came out this offseason. that said you guys were, I don't know if. shopping's the right word, but maybe. looking at at, you know, trading him. away. And then, you know, there are also. reports that you guys checked in on A.J. Brown when you know, it it came out that.

he's kind of discouraged with his. situation in Philly. So, I guess my. question would be is is pretty much. everyone, you know, within a vacuum, I. guess, tradeable? Like, could anyone be. traded at any time? And also, what kind. of gave you the conviction to say, "Hey, we don't necessarily need to go and get. like a Mecole Hardman in the draft or. someone like that. We're kind of good. with who we have in that room and the. weapons as a whole with Matt Stafford?". And we're ready to just kind of run it. back next year. >> Yeah, going back to the first one, there's probably different levels in the.

spectrum of. is everyone available or not, right? That's that's obvious on a team. I think. here's the let's call it the backstory, the nuance of Davante is a lot of times. when you, especially that time of year, it's the offseason, you're having these. discussions, right, with different teams. and their their trade proposals, and and. you may. they may send you a player and they may. want a player back. But, once that gets. into the let's call it the media, into.

the insiders, it starts percolating on. on what I like to call the metaverse, the internet, whether it's X, whether. it's Instagram, wherever all the. platforms that you have. >> We are. >> I think what Sean likes to do then is he. immediately will call the player, right? And and and try to explain, "Hey, >> Smart. >> yes, your name did come up. We didn't do. it, right? But, that's how once it Hey, if it didn't get out, maybe you maybe. some things are better left unsaid. because nothing happened. But, those.

conversations happen a lot of time. But, in this world, right, in this in this. content-driven where you know what, Patrick, everyone on this show knows you. got to wake up and provide, right, your. viewers something interesting to mark. That's not easy. So, hey, when things. start percolating, I know Sean likes to. nip it in the bud, have an honest. conversation with everybody involved and. and let them know kind of what went down. and why. >> And we like to do the same thing. That's. why we have so much respect for you. guys. That's why.

we called you to find out if it's Ty. Simpson or. NO OR NO LIE. IT'S just Ty Simpson. So, thank you for joining us. >> See? >> Huh? >> There we go. I like it. Graphic. Who's. graphics? Let's give a shout out to the. graphics team. >> ATTABOY, DIRTY. HEY, DIRTY, WHOSE HOUSE? >> RAMS' HOUSE. >> He was in the. >> LET'S GO. >> I DON'T KNOW WHERE HE WAS. >> BACK RIGHT for you. Kro nest back here. >> Hey, we appreciate the hell out of you, Les. Thank you for joining us, clearing.

the air, and allowing us in on your. process. You were obviously massively. successful. So, anytime we get to do. that, we're appreciative. >> I appreciate y'all having me. >> You're the man, ladies and gentlemen. Les Snead. I got a couple of texts from some. people. Take the lie Simpson off the screen. He's the nicest guy of all time. >> What's good, Gerald? >> We did. >> Did Dan O'Taco? >> No. GOOD CALL. DIDN'T EVEN ASK ABOUT DANO. GET HIM BACK on here. All right, we're. back on the other side. Be a friend, tell a friend, have a nice night, change. your life. Goodbye.

>> Well, hello, beautiful Pittsburgh. The NFL Draft Experience, where we're. about to see one of these eight. NFL fans. attempt a $250,000. field goal. What we did was we took all. of your names and we put it into a. randomizer. Okay? Now, eight is a random. number, but I would like you to see your.

names all across the wheel. Camera to. legitimize it. I will process. and one of you will be randomly. selected. $125,000. to charity and $125,000 to your pocket. Now, it's not just me doing this. Roger. Goodell said he will split it. So, this. will actually be a $500,000. kick. $250,000 to you, $250,000 to.

charity. Now, we wait. Tapped on, Greg. FROM. PITTSBURGH. WHAT IS THE STRATEGY HERE for you, Greg? >> Nothing. I'm just take Boswell. It's. just Boswell. I've been watching him for. 22 years. I know what I'm doing. >> Yeah, you do. Just embody Chris Boswell.

All right, just kick the ball. >> Go on, Greg. >> This guy sucks. Holy [ __ ] You're back in the game. because he was so ass. >> We're back in it. Please. >> You can all see it. It's legit. So, Philly. New England Patriots fan. You're Ronald. Good effort, Sophie. I appreciate the. effort. >> I hope you have so much fun in the city. Enzo, you can't hold again. You can't. hold again. What if we did one of you.

represents all of you. $100,000 to each. of you if the person makes it, and then. a match to charity from me and Roger. Goodell. Now, you people who are. representing all different teams fan. bases have to decide who will be. representing for you. I'll see you in 30. seconds. They're going to start fighting. each other. They got no chance in it. Now, we got a Rams fan who MIGHT BE THE. SILENT ASSASSIN COMING OUT OF THE GROUP. THE TEAM HAS SPOKEN. If you could remind the entire world of.

your name, and if you played soccer. before in your life. >> I'm Sam Bailey. No, I didn't, but I. kicked in high school. >> ORDER IN THE COURT. >> OH, [ __ ]. CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU. >> SO happy for you. >> 600,000 in charity. >> 600,000, 100,000 individual to the final.

six. >> The following program is a collection of. stooges talking about happenings in the. sports world. It is meant to be comedic. and informative. The opinions expressed. on this show do not necessarily reflect. the beliefs of their peers, their boss, or ESPN. There may be some cuss words. because that's how humans in the real. world talk. If you are a young, please. seek permission before watching any. further.

>> Hey. >> What? >> Let's. go. >> This show stinks, and the fact that you. listen, we are very, very thankful for. >> Magic. >> on the line with a gorgeous assist. >> The all-time leading tackler for the. Green Bay Packers. >> You pick. >> STAHLI. >> DAMN IT. >> YOU HAVE A FRIEND TELL A FRIEND. SOMETHING NICE, could change their life. >> Hello, beautiful people.

And welcome back to our humble abode. That's under dome. >> On this big GM Tuesday. >> April 28th, 2026. >> Hour two of the program begins right. >> No. >> Stahli. >> are the greatest stand, uh, we get a. chance to chat about it every single. day. It's not just me that talks to. tables here at Boston Connor and at Ty. Schmidt. How's Boston doing, Con man? >> Oh, fantastic. You know, I got a big. game five tonight for the Boston Bruins. in Buffalo. I think we'll see how that. goes, but the Boston Celtics also played. tonight. That's the one that matters. >> Uh, we got six games tonight. Obviously, three from the NBA, three from the NHL.

Boston's got two of them happening. Good. for you guys up there. >> Yeah, yeah, Hey, a big time right now. And it's tough, too. Like, I would love. to wallow in my sorrow with all the bad. things going on and the Boston Bruins. being down 3-1, but I can't. The Celtics. need me. I You know, I just as bad as I. want to be able to kind of take that in, I got to I got to turn my attention to. Mazzulla and those boys. >> and 1/2 point favorites. They'll be. fine. >> MATTER. SEE, THAT'S THE thing with with. a city that has just a couple sports. teams. Maybe it would be, "Hey, that. team's fine." No, they need it all.

Every single night, every single time. >> Everybody's focusing their attention. 100% on the thing that they're supposed. to be focusing on. >> Exactly. Well, but that's the thing. How. can you focus it 100% on when you have. three different things? I mean, don't. don't get me Don't get me started on the. Boston Red Hold on, Tony. Don't get me. started on the Boston Red Sox, okay? >> Don't get ME STARTED ON THE BOSTON RED. SOX. THEY ALREADY FIRED YOUR COACH. >> YEAH, AND GUESS WHAT? WE'RE like 3 and 0. since. I don't know. Maybe John Henry's. up to something and we don't know what's. going on. But, that's the regular. season, you know what I mean? That is. something that's like, "Hey, I want them. to do well." But, right now, I got the.

Bruins and the Celtics. And of course, the Patriots. I mean, we are still all, you know, going forward as a team, as a. unit. >> unit. No, are you saying you have side. things or. >> No, no, we don't have side things, Tony. We have four main things. But, right. now, two of those things aren't in the. postseason, the most important time of. sports. >> Okay, I I It's tough time for you Boston. fans. We really feel bad. >> Come on, B's. Come on, C's. We need you, boys. >> Yeah, obviously for the whole city. One. half of the hammer. >> Done.

>> Cowboys AP, Tony. You're looking great. Nine-year NFL vet, Darius Slay Butler. >> Yes, sir. >> Super cool. You see the way he tied the. thing? >> Yeah, the the drawstring up top? >> Unbelievable. >> That's swag. >> That's like when the shoes come tied in. a certain way. I'm always like, "Oh, if. I mess this up at all. >> Thank you, uh said these Cooper Flags. New Balance. >> They're nice, aren't they, Slay? >> Those are Koop's. >> Yeah, they're not Cooper Flags. >> I told you I was Those are not Cooper. Flags shoes. He has other New Balances. This particular pair of New Balances. though has kind of. uh.

It's going to [ __ ] me up a little bit. I'm going to I'm going to be honest. I I. don't dabble outside of a couple shoes. often. >> Okay, sure. >> You know? I'll wear Jordans for sure. Uh. I'll wear Air Force Ones, and I'll wear. the Adidas Superstars. Okay? Uh I like the shell tops, like how you. doing, keep it moving. Those are. basically where you'll find me. New. Balance, I decided long ago, can't let. my feet, which have done a lot for me, be seen in those. Okay? I I I just. decided that. I can't I these eyes can't. look down and just be like, I'm sorry,

boys. You know, cuz these feet have done. a lot for me. So, I just could never do. it. New Balance sent the right ones this. way. Those things look cool. >> Oh, yeah. >> First class feel. >> They look like they're actually not like. a. a throw-together shoe brand, which some. of these shoe brands look like whenever. they're new, cuz they're trying to. figure out what their molds are and. their customs are, and they're trying to. figure it all out. We watch shoe. companies go through it, and they're. like, "We're the next shoe." And it's. like, you're at you're at stage one of. the shoe. We know that. We've seen that. before everybody else. Thought New. Balance was going to forever live in. that perpetual.

ass-looking shoe. Okay? Like, that's. what from my standpoint of what shoes. There's other people that enjoy the look. of shoes. I'm just saying from my. perspective, never wearing them on on my. feet. These ones were the ones. These. ones are really nice. >> I like. >> Oh. >> I. I wear the same shoe 95% of the time. So, anything that jumps up in the foot. algo is good. So. >> Yeah, this is This is a free ad here. >> Yeah. >> There you go. >> New Balance has sent us some good shoes. here. >> I get one for you. >> I I don't know if I think I'm going to. be wearing them but. >> Yeah.

>> They're very comfortable. >> the nail on the head. That's how it was. for the longest time. And then you bring. in guys like Cooper Flag and Shohei, and. they look at the shoes, and it's like, "I'm not wearing that [ __ ] So, you. guys are going to have to do something. else." And then they do, and boom, that's the that's the product right. there. >> why a partnership with an athlete is. such a big deal. >> Yeah. >> Because the athlete will actually say. No, a good leader of an athlete, you. know, somebody that has ideas and. opinions and things like that. That's. why the Jordan brand, you know, I. obviously know there was other people. that were involved in the designing, but. he had to Let me see these ones.

Obviously these ones. Like as you build. the brand, I think the athlete being there's a big. deal. Cooper Flag, congrats, right? Rookie of the year? Which we didn't know. was going to happen or not cuz Kemba. with the Charlotte Hornets, obviously. they make it into a play-in series. where the Dallas Mavericks were. absolutely ass. So, we thought that. would potentially get held against him. Instead, Cooper Flag wearing New. Balances. I will say I'll wear these ones. more than I will wear the Cooper Flag. ones. >> The black ones stink, too.

>> What? These ones? THEY'RE THE SAME ONES. >> NO. >> NO, THEY STINK. >> Whenever you got all black shoes, it's. kind of tough. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, it's like it reminds you of. certain. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> It's like you're looking at them and. you're like, "Oh, well, are those like. sweet J's or something?" You flip them. on the side and you see like the green N. on there and it's like, "What What is. this? I'm not Get away." But those are. sweet. >> Where do you Where do you see those. normally at? If. >> Uh you know, I'm. This reminds me of something. I'm. >> Where at, though? >> Are you hiring any jobs or careers?

>> If people are working, we appreciate it. >> Hell yeah. >> If people are working, we do appreciate. it. Whatever you got to do to do what. you do, do what you do. We respect and. appreciate that. But you you made a. valid point about it did feel like maybe. you walk into like a Wendy's or. something. where that is the fit, you know, in the. New Balances. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I had black pants on. >> Mhm. >> I wear black pants normally. And then I. had those on. Deebo looked at me. immediately said, "I just saw you. working at Wendy's.". >> What? >> And it was It was phenomenal. I And I.

looked down and I was like, "Yeah.". >> No, I slipped these on. >> Joining us now, ladies and gentlemen, is. a man who is. a college football national champion, Super Bowl champion, Ryder Cup winner. Would certainly wear these. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, man. >> He wears boot shoes. >> Yes, that's. >> And would wear these. Ladies and. gentlemen, A.J. Hawk. Hey, Hey, shoes you were wearing for the. draft were your nicest yet, I think. personally. Was that a new brand? >> Uh no, it's a classic Amazon brand, whatever it may be. Yeah, I'm I'm a big.

high-top guy, so I don't know who made. it cool to wear like the geriatric. grandpa shoes, but it's a thing now with. young kids, obviously, like the the. white scrubby grandpa looking running. shoes with jeans. Like that's kind of a. thing now. >> The Monarchs are always going to be in. style. >> Oh, yeah. >> I mean, the Monarchs are always going to. be in style. Yeah, but they wear them. they would Like my daughter got a pair. of these Nikes. I'm like, "Yeah, these. are like the geriatric things that you. guys think are cool now." She's like, "No, they are cool." And I guess they. are. Like back in the day, it's the. shoes like we would have made fun of my. dad and his friends were wearing. >> Yeah, but remember, cyclical, everything. Everything's cyclical. The.

pants, the you know, seems as if the. A.J. Hawk suit is just about 2 years out. from the way that we're heading that you. wore, you know, cuz everything went the. opposite direction, and then now it's. going back that way. I I feel like there. was a time where the modern fashion I. could not any of it. I feel like it's. gone to a place where some of it is. okay, you know, it feels like we've. gotten to a place where some of it's. okay. I think Abercrombie & Fitch was. really the first eye-opener about what. >> way back. >> Yeah, they are like a. >> They changed their thing a bit, too. I. like the baggy jeans look, cuz the.

skinny jeans look was tough, and we did. that. It's like I could definitely do. the baggy jeans look. >> Well, the reason why he hated the skinny. jeans, you see, is because he had tiny. little bird legs. >> That's part of it. >> So, you know, when you do skinny jeans. on bird legs, he actually looks like a. little ostrich. And that that's what Foxy That That was. what Foxy had to go through. We don't. think about that, especially me, cuz. I'm from behind, and in course it's big. So, like the tighter jeans are scary, but the thicker jeans even worse for me. I mean, I look like a librarian. >> You wouldn't throw on some Jankos right. now? >> I I just can't. Never. No, they I just.

can't really. >> Too far. I mean, like boot cut is one. thing, but the super like Janko looking. things, those are what's crazy. >> Yeah, I appreciated just like the fact. that the skaters wore them, and they. looked cool. But I just couldn't really get down with. a lot of it. I do um. I do appreciate, though, the people that. are at the forefront of like, hey we're. changing how everybody's going to look. We're going to dress like [ __ ]. Everybody's going to call us an [ __ ]. and then inevitably we're going to. become the fashion. >> Huh? >> Cuz that happens. >> Oh yeah, basically what fashion is. >> Yeah, that in Europe I think, right? Isn't that where a lot of the [ __ ].

dressing kind of starts? >> Certainly. >> And then it kind of oozes across the. Atlantic. >> of the time. Oh, I'm ahead of the time. You guys are too dumb to understand. I'm. like 12 months ahead of you. That's what. they think. >> Exactly. Now granted, are we those people now? Huh? I see a. lot of people dressing like Conor out. there. Is everybody just kind of bumps? No, I. didn't mean that. >> No, no, no. I understand I understand. what you mean, but what people don't. understand is that I don't even look at. what I put on. So if there is some sort. of like like thought process or fashion. to that.

>> good. I think you found a good Conor at. >> Sure. I'm more of a hey, I don't care. >> I kind of miss the safari. You remember. when Conor. had a new animal every day? >> I still got it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I still HAVE IT. IT'S ONE OF THOSE. THINGS WHERE you know, I'm not I'm not. looking, okay? Oh, pants? Just let me. Okay, perfect. I know I have to wear. pants today. So let me get those pants. Shirt? I know I have to wear a shirt. I'll wear that. >> that's fashion I think what you're. doing. And then you got the Hallaburgers on.

>> the Tyrese's still play. I mean they. always will no matter what. I think. these were after his favorite Tabasco. sauce or something. The hibiscus's, but. I still love hit the Scooby Doos as. well. I mean, Tyrese's shoes I will say. in comparison to to others, I I do. believe it's very strictly. similar to my fashion style. Just I need. shoes, okay? Put them on. >> No. And he's a supporting friend of. program. >> And I'm a supporting friend of program. He hasn't text me back in about 3 years, but. he's a friend of program,

for sure. >> No, don't touch his phone. >> I don't love that. Yeah, it might be his. battle. And joining us now is a man who. might have more answers, especially out. of the NBA world. He played 13 years. That's so long. So long. >> Think about all the flights. >> The shuffling in the hotels. >> Starting and stopping to jump like every. single night starting and stopping. trying to stop these guys from dunk. >> What's that one drill? >> Mike. Mike. >> Yeah, Mike. >> So many of those. >> Well, when he did he was he was probably. doing the Mike and from three.

>> Yeah, but I'm assuming he had to do this. one at some point. And then. the Steve Nash thing so many of those. So. ladies and gentlemen joining us now one. half of the Knuckleheads podcast ESPN. NBA analyst friend of the program Q. Rich. >> Hey, Q Rich. >> So many drills. >> That's so foul as a thought. >> Thank you so much for joining. >> the Mike and drill? You like the Mike. and drill? >> I'll tell you what I I forget how it. came up in conversation. There was one. basketball player who was really good. that just couldn't put the close ones in.

and then cuz I didn't do the basketball. I don't know really know the drills. So. I was taught the name of it. I think. it's a hilarious name. So it's basically. all I got. You know, like I I run into. a group of people from Mexico. I'm going. to say "Aqui estamos mi amigos." And. then they're going to say something I'm. going to say "Muchos gracias." And then. I'm going to say. "Uno cerveza por favor." And then that's. all I got. >> Mhm. >> For the basketball drills all I got is. the Mike and drill. That's all I got. And then were weaving too? Were we.

>> Weave weave weave weave weave weave. >> Weave out there. That's all I got. But. >> I thought I thought you was in in the. bopping the wood. >> Oh, more than you can imagine, brother. Yeah, I'm bopping Duke's wood right now. You know what I mean? >> Okay. Okay. >> You see that? >> I thought that's that's a real piece of. the Duke floor. I think I saw Coach K. give you that. That's dope. That's. pretty dope. >> Thank you. We're bopping wood right now. Let's talk NBA playoff wood bopping, shall we? Whenever you think about Joker and you. think about who he is as a person, when.

he got in that fight with Jaden at the. end of that we knew for sure he was. going to come out next game and. dominate. And how do we feel about. what's going on in that heated rivalry. it appears? >> I like it, man. Me personally, I I I. I like Joker's response cuz like for me. I played in the league 13 years and that. and one time I became aware of the whole. unwritten rule and the unspoken rule. that you don't score. I mean, I never, you know, I never did that. I never. crossed the line, but I understand this. right here. These are two teams that.

don't like each other. Jaden McDaniels. has been public about his dislike and. said it in touch words after games, during interviews and things like that. This was the part for me cuz when you. run up like that. hey, you know, like Jaden Daniels is not. wrong. It's like by the time he get. there Jaden Daniels has set up and and. and got one off on him because you're. running from pretty far away and you are. a massive freaking dude. So, I was. surprised I was glad that nothing. further happened, but like for those. reasons right there, that's why I never. really subscribed to that. I wasn't.

going to run up and try and rough. somebody up over that rule. Like I feel. like I should have did that during the. game and that's why I say I like the. response of of Joker coming out and. dominating the next game because if you. did that and you don't come out and. dominate, what you even do that for? >> Yeah, and I I I think Joker I mean, we. know he loves horses. Okay, we know he. loves horses. We know he's not a big. talker. We know his two brothers are. just absolute monsters, behemoths. We. know he's he's incredibly talented, but. I do think he's a bit petty. Like I I I. do think he does have a little bit of.

that. So, are we talking about a team. that can maybe go on a run here? Can the. Can the Nuggets do anything in the West. or is this 100% the Oklahoma City world. because there's some stats coming out. about SGAQ that are outrageous and Iman. yesterday basically brought up. He said, "What's happening at the end of games. for SGA needs to be studied. It is. outrageous what he's doing." And then. stats came out. He's missed four shots. in the fourth quarter or overtime since. March 17th, which is just an absurd.

thing to think about. This guy's. special, huh, Q Rich? Is that what How. we should view it and the rest of the. team plays perfectly alongside of him or. how do you describe it? >> 100 100% 100 That's That's why when you. asked me who was MVP, I said it's this. guy. This guy's been It's been going for. for 2 to 3 years now. You heard Devin. Booker last night, you know, a superstar. in his own right give SGA credit say. he's been he's been dominating the. league for the last 2 years and it's. facts. See, this is this is SGA's time. When you when you culminate and you you. doing things the way he's doing it and.

these stats are coming out like, man, this stuff ain't fake and this is not. something that's easy to do. You know. what I'm saying? Like he's doing it. efficiently, he's doing it at the. highest level. He is the man right now. What they say? He is him right now. That's SGA. He got it right now. >> Okay, I love to hear that Oklahoma City. and Is Caruso. Is Caruso just going to win forever now? >> Possibly. >> Tell me about the rest of the roster. over there. Chet, tell me about. >> You got You got to love Alex Caruso. He's definitely a winner, but like you.

said, they got they go they got a deep. roster, dude. They got they like you. say, Chet, Holmgren, Hartenstein, uh Cason Wallace is a is a straight dog. Do you see how Do you all see how he. guards up the court and gives guys hell. 90-94 feet? He's He's tough. Then they. come off the bench with with with Isaiah. Joe. They They They got a lot of. players. And then we not even talking. about Jaylen Williams who's hurt. And. then they got the other big guy, Jaylen. Williams, who does play. Lu Dort like is. a is a Look, he's a brick, you know what. house like that dude is a He is the.

unit. He is huge. Pause that. But he's a. big dude out there on the court. >> Brick What house are you talking about? Was it pausing? >> Stack house. I think I think I think DB. just, you know, kind of echoed my. sentiments. He knew what I He knew the. language I was thinking. >> Oh, I heard you say pause. I thought you. were talking about a different type of. house over there with Lu Dort. Now, he. he was a problem for us. They're saying. he's a problem for everybody. Hartenstein, nobody talks about till the. playoffs. That guy's. That guy's a menace. >> Yes, he is.

>> Hardenstein's a menace. Chet Holmgren, same thing. SGA never misses, actually, statistically. They Remember we were. talking about this last year during the. playoff run. Does this guy ever miss? I. actually asked that question. Him and. Jalen Brunson kind of had the same. thing, which I'm assuming somebody's. going to mention to you or ask about you. here in a matter of moments. But that. Oklahoma City team, special, special, special in the West. Go ahead, AJ. >> Yeah, the Oklahoma City team, obviously. we everyone kind of crowns them champs. already. But what about the Spurs? Are. they going to be able to close out the. Trail Blazers tonight? They're up 3-1. Wemby's back from missing the game with.

the concussion. Do you see tonight being. the night that they close this thing out. and then continue their run? >> Yeah, I think so. I think so. I think. the Portland Trail Blazers just, you. know, they're not they're not a good. enough team to beat, you know, to beat. the Spurs. The Spurs have the dominant. roster. They got. a lot. >> Keyurich, is anybody good enough to beat the Spurs. or to. to beat. >> I mean, right now we. I'll still say OKC is the is the they. they lead the way. They're my favorites. to come out of the West, but I think if. anybody scares them, I definitely think. that that San Antonio makes them blink.

because the way they did them in the. season, they went 4-1 against them in. the season and it was pretty dominant. And so I think, you know, SGA SGA even. spoke on it. Like, yeah, like it's hard. to think you got anybody scoring they. beat you this many times the way that. they beating us. So I think that's a. series that I really look forward to. seeing if it's going to come, but I mean. going into it, I think I would still. pick OKC until until San Antonio shows. me different in a in a playoff format. >> Listen, I love Oklahoma City. I. appreciate their fans. I like the E60.

that they just had. I would very much. appreciate Exactly. I I love what. they're about over there. I also like. that their team is okay just with. everybody outside their area hating. them. You know, they'll they'll kind of. do whatever. It'd be really cool to see. an alien kind of. >> Oh, yeah. >> you know, kind of decide that he wants. to take over the entirety of the NBA. Come him coming out. >> Well, it's imminent. It's imminent, Pat. It's even if it doesn't happen this. year, he's like, remember you watching. the Marvel the Thanos, he's like, I am. inevitable. That's Wimby. He's.

inevitable. I don't I can't I can't. predict exactly when, but he is. inevitable. That is That dude is. something different. He is going to be. the man soon, real soon. >> Is this year two or three for him right. now? >> This is year three. Is it? Yeah, I think. it's year three. What? Is it year two. for him? >> I don't know. That's what I'm saying. >> three is counting so was their first. year three. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Okay, so three years into this and every. year he's gotten significantly better, but I think the Spurs have also gotten. significantly better around him and.

knowing that he's the man. You know, Castle obviously a stud, but he's coming. to a team he understands that the team. is running through the 7-foot-7 guy cuz. remember the Spurs the first year he was. there, it wasn't like that. It was like. a bunch of vets almost that maybe didn't. fully understand what was happening. here. Now they're fully committed to him. and he seems like a guy who is [ __ ]. Like, hey, we're going to win. Like that. is we're going to do everything we have. to do to win. I'm thankful that we are. doing this program while he is playing. in the league cuz he he seemingly.

actually not from here. >> No. >> Like it is a very different he's tall, he's aggressive. >> Mhm. >> Like as opposed to like kind of being. like kind of docile relaxed or whatever, you know, as some big guys are. Like. he's a mean cuss, it seems like. And. then he'll go hang out with the monks. >> Yeah. >> up in the mountains and do this. He's. talking about the universe when he's. like 17 years old. >> And yeah, and then he goes and talks to. Kevin Garnett and he's like, "Hey, how. do I become maybe the biggest dog at. It's like he's special I think mentally, not only his entire body. I think. mentally he has the right [ __ ] And is.

it starting to feel. >> mentality. >> Like you I'm sorry. >> His his mentality. No, he has the he has. the mentality. Like you said, he's not. afraid to talk about he wants to be the. be one of the greats. He's doing all the. thing when he talks about the awards, he. has an understanding to become one of. the great that you You to accumulate. these awards and check these boxes and. do those things and I think he's not. afraid, he's not shying away from any of. it. Like you say, I think. the front office over there in San. Antonio. B Wright, my man Brian Wright, and the and the the rest of those guys.

over there do the great job. But like. you say, bringing the type of guys in. that are rallying around him and. acknowledge what and who he is and the. ability that he has to make everybody. around there better and like you say, it's it's inevitable, man. And in. another year to like you say, they got a. chance this year. I'm not counting him. out this year, but I I just feel like. either way, in the next one to two to. three years, he is the man and they. going they going to get them one because. they got they they building the roster. the right way. They got a squad and all. they can only add to it. So, I only see. them getting better. >> Where.

Chris Farley grow up at in Beverly Hills. Ninja? >> Uh in Japan somewhere. >> Is that where Wembys headed next off. season? >> Potentially. >> Listen, he's right. He y'all left out he. worked with Hakeem the Dream, too, now. Like that's that's that's different, too. He he he checking crazy boxes, y'all. He doing the work. He putting the. work in. >> I assume he's going to do something with. Shaq, right, at some point? >> Shaq, yeah. Maybe like Magnus Carlsen learn some. chess in somewhere. >> And who is the you said Magnus, who is.

the Magnus that threw the kegger who is. the world's strongest man? >> Magnus Magnusson. Yeah, Magnus Magnusson. also maybe Mariusz Pudzianowski who is. also, you know, >> I mean, we'll be excited to see what he. does. He'll be awesome. He he makes. Yeah, maybe he is throwing darts with. Luke Littler to understand the. finer details of aim small, miss small. with Luke Littler. >> He'd be able to just stick it right into. the board from where he's standing. though. He might actually he might want. to just do darts in the off season. >> Yeah, cuz he could cuz they stand. they stand the sideways on that.

>> He'd be very close. >> Luke Littler would be a real real life. Space JAM MOVIE. YEAH. >> THEY'D BE SO MAD. THE ACCENTS WOULD BE. so loud about him. >> Johnny Clayton would lose it. >> Oh. 180. AGAIN. HE'S DONE IT AGAIN. OH, MAN. Something to think about. Wemby.

might just take over everything. Why. don't he go play soccer? Oh, he's from. France. We don't want him. We don't need. volleyball. That That The The dunk. looked like a. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> If I mean. >> He could. >> He would just stand in front of the net. He wouldn't have to jump. He would just. stand and lift his arms. >> I think he could throw a baseball like. 160 miles an hour. >> That feels like it. Oh, my god. World. Baseball Classic. >> Yeah. France, look out. >> That's another one where he might be. able to. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Place it. >> Just got to move it around the bat and. then put it in there.

>> There's a chance. I can't believe he is as healthy as he. is. You know, whenever we heard about him, very late. We are a group of stooges. over here. But, whenever they we started. learning of this Wembanyama, who's going. to be the number one overall pick, and. everybody's saying this is the one. And. I'm like, we've heard enough Europeans. are going to be the one. Okay, I love. them. I appreciate it. But, very rarely. does it end up working out. Luka comes. in, takes over. Giannis comes in, takes. over. There has been a little bit of a. European takeover. But, whenever they're. saying this guy is better than any. prospect of all time. And then we start.

getting these dims. He's how tall? Then. we listen to him speak. He's like, "Uh I. know I'm just such a small piece of the. universe." And it's all It's like, holy. [ __ ] We're talking about something a. little bit different here. Then they're. like, "He's been working out his foot. muscles and his foot parcel service. His. feet don't get injured cuz of how tall. he is and his tendons in his knee. they've been working on since he's like. a little kid cuz they know how tall he's. going to be and how athletic he's going. to be. They're trying to take care of. the giant basically his entire life.". It's like he's been made for this. moment. Turns out. he he I mean, he's.

>> Totally. >> Uh-huh. >> He's everything. >> he's not been as hurt as everybody think. though cuz he does a lot I've seen some. of the stuff and I've never seen that. stuff. He's crawling around on the floor. with no shoes and socks on like you say. working on different muscles that that. people don't really pay attention to and. know about. And I was being educated. just watching what he was doing and the. people talking about why he was doing. what he was doing. And I'm like, this. dude is incredible. Like he's take like. that's why I say he's putting in the. work. He's doing all of the things that. that that he has knowledge to get.

knowledge from to do. He's going like. you say went to go be with monks over. and where they be at? Wherever that was. I don't know. But it. >> He be with the monks where the monks be. at. Yeah, he was. >> Yeah, it was like that. So like he's. doing things that people haven't done. before him. And he's going like you say. go get with KG, go get with Hakeem. Who. knows who he's going to be was with. Jamal Crawford who's the best one of the. best ball handlers of all time. He was. working out with Jamal. So it's like who. knows what Wemby's going to do next. But. I I I see that he he's putting no limits.

on trying to improve his self and and. put himself in the best position period. And I love it. >> Hey, who knows where Wemby, you know? >> Yeah. >> Who Who knows Who knows where Wemby He. could be. >> I see what you did there. >> Yeah, could Wemby anywhere. You know, could could Wemby anywhere at any time. And we'll follow along. We're lucky to. do as such. That whole training the. little muscles though for the They knew. he was going to be a giant. So they're. like, what normally takes out Well, it's. the little things you don't think about. because the little things with giants. are actually big things. So all the. little [ __ ] is actually pretty big [ __ ].

here if we can take care of it. I love. it. Let's stay in the West before we. move to the East. Go ahead, Ty Schmidt. >> Yeah, Q Rich uh talking about another. guy who seemingly is not from this. planet, LeBron. And we I think everyone. expects the Lakers to close out Houston. What What's going to happen when, you. know, potentially Austin Reaves comes. back and Luka comes back? Like how much. will their style of play kind of change. if it's not just kind of Hey, LeBron, we're putting everything on your back. Go out here and win us the game. Win us. this series.

>> I think that'll depend on, you know, what what when they come back, what what. shape they are in. I mean, I don't. think, you know what I'm saying? I think. LeBron is rolling right now. He he he's. doing great as the as the number one. guy, and I mean, he's shown the ability. to be, you know, versatile with y'all. need me to play the two or the three. three-man role or whatever you need him. to do. He's played center, he's done. everything this year. So, I think he'll. be fine with whatever it is, but I think. it'll determine on, you know, what level. those guys can come back at it. If they. can't come back in in position to to be.

that number one or number two guy, I. think LeBron will still lead the way. like he's been doing. The most. unfortunate thing about I do think they. will close out the night, but even, you. know, whenever they if they as long as. they advance, the most unfortunate thing. is is OKC's waiting on them. And that. that's good for nobody. >> Tell me about KD. Tell me about KD here. Tell Tell me about what I what I should. think about the whole situation and how. this ends up unfolding for next year. Is. he coming to the Pacers? Is he coming to. the Pacers? >> Listen, man. I think I think KD is just,

you know, he's one of those guys that. he's a lightning rod, and anything he. does is going to be highly opinionated. and highly talked about. The man hurt. his knee coming into the to the season I. mean, to the series, and for him to sit. out, I knew he had to be significantly. hurt. And then you couple that he comes. back in game two when you know he's not. 100%, but then on that game he twists. the ankle. So, at that point, you got to. listen to your body. And he's done the. whole thing like how many times should. somebody like a Kevin Durant or any body.

for that matter who's done the things. that he's done to prove that he he loves. the game of basketball. He played. through things when they told him don't. play, and then he tore his Achilles. Like, so if he's hurt and he's missing. games, I just believe that he's hurt. All of the different narrative and the. things that that that that pop up and go. around and the rumor and like y'all say, sore says and all of that like like if. nobody's not going to put a name on it. and and come out and say this is what it. is, and if KD isn't saying it himself, I. don't believe anything until I until I. see that until I see KD come out. I just.

feel like yeah, he hurt. Like if he's. not playing, what do you think? Like. this is a dude who plays basketball. anywhere. Give me a ball and I'm. hooping. He's literally known for that. So if he's not playing, I truly believe. he's hurt and that's just what it is. >> How about um. the Kevin Durant situation in Houston? He was going to join a very good team. Just supposed to be an additive. Then it. kind of became like his team, right? He. he started like doing a lot for the. Houston Rockets this year, but he was. supposed to just be an additive to them. whenever he leaves Phoenix. That's just.

like LeBron this year. Supposed to just. be an additive to Luka uh Luka's team. I. don't even think they knew it was going. to be Austin's team as well until it. kept going. They're like, this is Luka. and Austin's team. LeBron just needs to. be an additive. Then lo and behold, what's going on with LeBron? Well, he's. kind of carrying the team right now cuz. there's some injuries. KD was kind of. carrying the Houston Rockets for a. while. He was kind of their go-to guy. Then he gets hurt. There's always. something though with KD. I I I don't. know him. I've never met him. I've just. watched him from afar. There's always. something. He's been on a lot of teams. and I think he does, you know, cuz the. the the ex activity certainly provides a.

lot of things for people to get mad at. him for. But if he was in his Ray Allen. stage of his career, we would certainly. want him at the Pacers with Tyrese. coming back. >> You saying if like are you Listen, this. is a dude who's averaged 25. >> Yeah, but I think he still wants to be. in the I'm saying if he if he'd be. willing to. Tyrese. you know, just kind of. >> play any type of. >> any kind of basketball. >> That's what I'm saying. >> Thank you, DB. Like KD can you can plug. him into any type of He doesn't like if.

you watch, he takes the backseat for. Sengun and and some of those guys a lot. Like he's not a guy who's out there like. dominating the ball and saying give me. the ball. Like to him to do what he he's. averaged 25 plus points and shot 50 plus. percent for like 13 straight seasons. Like currently right now still on that. street. Like do you understand how elite. that is? >> Yeah. That is out of this world. And. like you say, having the injuries, being. up there in age, and being in his 17th, 18th year, he still is automatic.

>> Yeah. >> Automatic. >> Tyrese to KD, I can already see it. And then that's what's happening, splash. >> And then THERE'S A BIG. YEAH! AND WE'RE BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS. >> IT'S IT SUCKS YOU got hurt. I would have. definitely love to see this match up in. this regular season. I want to say KD. missed like five games or something. crazy like that in your 17th. >> Yeah, he he played that same year, yeah. >> Yeah, he like. >> And he was. He was a big part of Every time I was. watching Houston games, KD is playing. Like this is a This is a Kevin Durant. basketball game that. >> They lost Van Vleet, man. If they had a.

real true point guard, Tyrese. >> Yeah, I felt like that was a big factor. for them. Van Like Van People don't even. give it the credit like they they act. like Van Vleet is not a champion and. doesn't have the experience and and the. game that he has. He was a huge piece. Him going down was was monumental for. them this season, I feel like, cuz not. only is he a You know, a great point. guard and a veteran and a champion, he. has a leadership about him, a leadership. characteristic would have helped their. team, too. >> Tyrese is a perfect. And I think cuz of.

the Olympics, they probably had a great. time in. Probably did the entire thing. I don't. know how We get KD in Indianapolis, I. would tell you we'll have a good time. for the city. KD, I don't know how. everybody in every team is feeling. towards you joining them, and hell, I. don't I don't talk to anybody at Pacers. other than Tyrese Haliburton. I would. like to let you know. >> But I But I would I would I would. venture that you would have a great time. hanging out with KD. I would I would be. I'm not a betting man, but I would bet. many push-ups that you you and KD would. hit it off spectacularly. >> Yeah, I think we we cruise at the same.

altitudes from what I've been told, you. know, which would certainly be a. fantastic conversation. Um but yeah, I. would like to let him know, you'd love. it here, bro. Oh, you'd love it here. >> Good time. >> Got great things everywhere, whatever. you need. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING LIKE THAT. FOR, D-BUTT? >> I DON'T KNOW. I don't like to laugh. people A a of people this age. >> HE'S GOING TO LOVE IT. >> WHY WOULDN'T YOU SAY? BROOKLYN, PHOENIX, HOUSTON. INDIA. >> It's kind of interchangeable. >> That's what we're saying. That's why. it'd be perfect. >> It didn't work at those other places. either. >> Exactly. No, they're really good.

players. Indiana, uh, San Francisco. where it worked couple similar. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's very very you're going to. love it. You're going to absolutely love. it. And guess what? The bucket bigger. here. >> Mhm. >> That's true. >> That's Indiana ball. >> So, just think about that. All right, let's move to the East, please. Shall. we? There's big story developing over. there in the East with a team that you. obviously know a lot about and a team. that was supposed to be the stones. Go. ahead, D-Bud. >> Yeah, Q. I know you tapped in with the. magic and what they're doing. Are Are. you surprised at the success they're.

having against the one seed Detroit. Pistons? And do you think with their big. three and how they're playing right now, like they can actually go on a little. run here in the East? It kind of From. your opinion, what has clicked for the. Orlando Magic? >> Um, we have our full roster. I mean, we're not the full, but I mean, we got. our, you know, Franz is back and Paolo. is back. And then you got Bane. I mean, you got to understand like. I don't feel like the Magic were a true. eight seed. We We came into the season. with high hopes of being like a third or.

or maybe higher seed and that was the. outlook until the injuries piled up and. then, you know, it's tough to play without your top. guns. Like Desmond Bane came, he he was. able to play all 82 games. He was He was. huge this whole year. He's been huge. these playoffs. And I think he'll be. huge and monumental for us going. forward. But like it's tough if if Paolo. gets hurt and then Franz is playing and. then Franz Paolo comes back and then. Franz goes out like Jalen Suggs wasn't. out of the lineup. Mo Wagner wasn't. there a lot. So, it was like to to deal.

with that stuff, it it kind of gets. tough. And this year was a tough year. for us during the regular season for. that. And for us to recover and get to. the, you know, the play-in and win in. and then to come out like this, I was I. was not surprised because as much as I. believed in Detroit, I me, many of my. peers, we always when we talk about. them, it's like, "Okay, so what happens. if Cade Cunningham has a off night?" If. he If Cade Cunningham doesn't go crazy, who's next? And And that question is yet. to be answered for them. And they That's. the That's the biggest thing. They got.

big guys, they got toughness, they got, you know what I'm saying, some. versatility, but they don't have that. second primary score that's going to be. consistently there for them. >> Oh, no, Fox. >> Yeah. >> What happens if he has a bad game or. two? >> Q-Rich. >> What? >> Or four. >> What? >> Q-Rich, how much of this do you think is. Cade Cunningham's fault? Or how much of. this is Jalen Duren's fault? Because. that was the second guy. That was the. guy that was going 20 and 10 every. single night in the regular season. And. then in these playoffs, he has been. nonexistent. Also, how does that happen?

How can you be getting all season and. all player, a guy that's supposed to get. a supermax, a guy that's supposed to be. on Team USA in the Olympics, and then. you're just nonexistent for the. playoffs? It's embarrassing. >> Jeez. >> It's It's It's It's actually It's not as. bad as you make it sound. Like, you got. to understand Jalen Duren Jalen Duren. No, Jalen Duren is not a guy If you look. at it, he's not a guy that they run. plays for. He was going to getting 20. and 10 off pure hustle and muscle, like, going to the glass. He might get a pick.

and roll or alley-oop here or there. But. if the team knows that when you're going. to a playoff series, everything is is. hyperfocused. It's not like we're just. coming in and one of the 82 and you're. playing Toronto, then you're playing. Orlando the next night on the back No, they they got film. They've been. studying for you. They've got the bigs, they know this, we need to take away. that. And Coach Mosley is a unbelievably. uh and his staff, they do a great job at. defense. That's what That's what we hang. our hat on here in Orlando. And they've. done that since since Coach Mosley's. been here. So, I already know he's.

queuing them guys up on everything. So, you're not going to get your normal easy. rolls and your give lobs to the basket. So, if they're not running plays for. you, where you going to get your points. from? Because he's not a guy that they. drop the ball to the post and say go get. a bucket and do these things. So, it's. not, you know, I know it looks bad when. you look at the regular season stats and. then you look at what he's doing now, but if you look at and you focus on. what's really going on, it's it's that's. why they need that second person to. create and they could do. >> It's what bopping. Orlando bops wood.

better than anybody else. That's what he's saying right there. >> Hey, listen, we brought the physicality, man, and we, you know, I'm I'm proud of. the guys. I couldn't be happier for them. and I'm glad that they, you know, doing. it right now in the playoffs and giving. them chance to giving themselves a. chance to advance. And the fact that. they're the eight seed and the one seed, that's historically great. >> Hey, you're not just going to be able to. play Boise Park basketball against the. Orlando Magic, okay, Detroit Pistons? Why don't we drop some plays. >> I couldn't agree. more with what Q-Rich said. And Q-Rich, I know you watched that game last night. Was that not the worst basketball game.

you've ever watched in your life? I. watched a lot of middle school, high. school, college, you name it. That game. stunk last night. >> All right, Fox, I got. >> No, but you got to Those are two. defensive teams, man. Those are That. That game was a throwback to like to the. to the early 2000s, late '90s where it. was just like it was a lot of. physicality, a lot of refs having to. break up little short skirmishes and. chats and things like that. And it it. These These guys got a little animosity. I'm not I'm not I'm actually enjoying it. to the fullest, especially with Orlando. winning.

>> Detroit. >> Detroit always has animosity with. people, it feels like. They had heat. with the Pacers last year, they had heat. with the Hornets this year, now they got. heat with the Magic. You start looking. around, maybe you start wondering, what's all the heat? Well, might be uh. >> I might be the problem. >> Is that the thing? Yeah, it might be the case, but you need. to win if that's the case. You can't. just lose to everybody. >> It's why I'm mad. We're getting. out-physicaled, and that can't happen. with a Detroit team in any sports. >> It's okay, you're growing, you're. learning, just like the Orlando Magic. have had to do. Okay, let's stay in the. heat. >> is, they're getting they're getting.

they're getting out-physicaled from a. team that that hails from city. beautiful. That's our nickname out here, city beautiful. >> Oh, no. The change. >> Mickey Mouse town. >> Yeah. Yeah, the the Mickey is. the greatest place in the world. The. happiest place in the world, excuse me. The happiest. >> Is Jizz Kiss there? >> Beef Stew's there. >> The Detroit. >> Fight somebody. >> Beef Stew's our best player right now. >> Oh, yeah. He not playing half of the. year. Trouble. >> He had eight blocks last night. >> Yes. >> That's unbelievable. >> He's a great player. He's crazy at the.

rim. >> Sounds like Orlando is through though. They're not very scared of any of that. Okay, so everybody obviously the Pistons. are the number one seed, but you talk to. anybody from. Massachusetts, they'd say, "Come on. We. know who runs the East." And it seems. like that is the case. Go ahead, Con. Man. >> Yeah, Kyrus, we can be real here, okay? The Boston Celtics are head and. shoulders above everybody in the East, especially right now with what they're. doing. Tatum's coming off 30, 11, and 7. He's been unbelievable. Jaylen Brown, he's just a a quiet 25 a night. And then. we have guys coming off the bench like.

Payton Pritchard dropping 30. This team. feels different in Boston just because. of how deep they are. Is it kind of a. layup to assume that yes, the Spurs and. OKC are going to go to battle, but. Boston's damn near going to waltz into. the finals fresh, healthy, and clicking. on all cylinders after lethal shooter. helped them kind of find it before these. playoffs started. What have you seen. from them? Should I feel this confident? Should I feel more confident? And also,

are the Sixers not as good when Embiid. plays cuz it it felt weird last game. just because less VJ Edgecomb, less. Tyrese Maxey, Embiid getting his shots. up, and he's clearly still injured from. his little situation. >> I'll start with the with the Embiid. part. I think I think it's not I don't. think they're worse, but I think that. that that. everybody knows that when you add. something like him, he's an MVP in this. league. So, he's not somebody like just.

coming back to the lineup. He's a. fixture, he's a focal point. And I think. when you do that, you know, those guys. like the Tyrese Maxey, he came to the. team after Joel Embiid was already MVP. and the man. So, it's like he he kind of. defers to him without even really. knowing it. And it And then, you know, everybody else is going to follow suit. cuz like it or not, he was the big dog. And like so, you got an adjustment to. make when that guy comes back. And I. think you we were seeing that in real. time because it's like we got the big. fella, we still got to give him the. ball, but it's like they kind of they.

kind of didn't do their own thing as as. aggressively that they have been doing. it and that took away from the team. But. I think it'll be different the next. game, but when you get to Boston, I. would say. I don't want to say they just going to. walk into anything. It's not going to be. easy. I still have them picked I. However, I do have them picked to. advance out of the East and come be in. the finals waiting for whoever and and. fighting for the title. But I I I. I'm never going to say that they going. to just walk in and it's going to be. easy and it's going to be this and that.

But what I will say, the way they've. been playing has been it's been. incredible, man. It's been something. it's been dope to see. I'm I'm a I'm a. huge Jason Tatum guy. We got the same. agent, Jeff Wechsler. So, I'm uh and. I've known Jason through through Larry. Hughes and his dad Justin since he was. younger. So, I'm I'm completely for him. doing what he's doing and I'm loving the. way that he's been you know, gotten back. into the fit for the team and the way he. and Jaylen and everybody are playing. together and all of the people that was. naysayers chirping and saying fools and. just can can silence the hating and just.

just relax and let these guys hoop. They've been doing like That's the part. I laughed at when everybody said they. can't play together. Jason Tatum. literally has not played in the NBA. without Jaylen Brown. And Jaylen Brown. only played one year without him. So, it's like what are we talking about? But. like you're seeing it in real time. And. I can't say enough about what Tatum has. been able to do. I mean, you guys know. you've talked to Tyrese Haliburton and. he's told you how difficult, how hard, how crazy, and all of these things. And. that shows the level of dedication and. how hard Jason worked to get to this.

point because we I was totally expecting. him to get back out there and have to. work his way in. I didn't realize that. him going to the G League and doing all. those practices he was he was crossing. and checking those boxes and doing the. um working my way back and I was feeling. better and like now he you see him out. there starting to have trust in that. leg. It's not like those first couple. games where it was like uh is he trying. to not land on it? Like he's going in. there sometimes and I'm like oh woah and. it's like he he he's straight. So I mean. I I totally respect him as being an.

athlete who's been injured and had to be. off for four or five or six months and. that was crazy than that and for him to. come back like this I ain't got nothing. but praise for him, bro. It's. incredible. >> Yeah, I agree. And Joe Mazzulla is a. maniac. Shout out to him out of West. Virginia. Obviously. love the way he does he does. Cavaliers. obviously in it. Knicks al- always going. to be a topic of discussion. What's. today's conversation about the Knicks? Did we see what it was on the earlier. shows? There's. Yesterday was should it run through Kat?

Today might have been make or break. >> Yeah, how do we get Bridges going. perhaps? He's been struggling a bit. >> Mike Brown needs to win or else he's. going to get fired. He needs to make the. final shot. >> because of what he did in the final. seconds. >> Yeah, New York City. >> What are your thoughts on these three. games? If you had to pick them right. now, you like the Celtics? You like the. Knicks? And you like the Spurs? >> I like the Celtics. Yes, all on the. right. Celtics, Knicks, and Spurs. I. like I like the Knicks coming back home. and knowing that they got to handle. business. Knowing it's not I don't think. it's going to be easy with the Hawks cuz.

they you know they're going to come to. fight. They know the importance of this. game to go up three to two, but. I think Celtics and Spurs going to. handle business. >> Yeah. All right, chalk night for Q Rich. We'll certainly pay attention and we'll. talk to you soon. We appreciate the hell. out of you, man. >> Anytime, fellas. You already know. >> Ladies and gentlemen, that's 13-year NBA. vet, Vlade Divac. You already know. Thought of Deion Dawkins, you already. snow. >> Uh-huh. Sure. >> Speaking of snow,

feels like we're in spring now. here in Indy. >> Yeah, I got a couple got a couple days. here over the next week. Uh but that's. just in the morning. >> mean a couple of days? >> days under 60. Uh but but then we will. be. >> Yeah. >> kind of there. >> We're here. >> We're kind of. >> And the April showers bring in May. flowers. >> Correct. Portion of the calendar. >> And are we doing spring? Like we hadn't. done spring in a while. I I don't know. how Ohio is. We hadn't really had a. spring before. It was like cold, couple. good days, cold, and then 95°, and then.

it was like 100° for 2 months, and then. it got cold again. That was kind of what. we had before. It's been pretty nice. outside. Feels like we're starting to. really. catch our stride here. >> Yeah. >> The Les Snead conversation earlier, really catching on. >> Uh-huh. Oh, yeah. >> Did you know a lot of that stuff, AJ, that he was talking about there where he. was saying, "We've 66 private trips to. different guys at their schools, I. guess, kind of bouncing around." He went. and met with Ty alongside Coach McVay. They talked for hours about ball. Uh.

Coach Snead said he was just kind of. checked out, kind of doing some other. things all by himself while Sean McVay. and Ty Simpson did their thing. He said. uh Matthew Stafford, it's his timeline, but we have to prepare for whenever it. could potentially be up. They like Ty. They don't think they're going to have. this high of a draft pick uh in the. future. They're hoping that isn't the. case. What did you feel or how did you. feel about our convo with him, AJ? And. uh where do you kind of sit on the. entire 13th pick saga as we are here. today? >> Well, after hearing Les kind of lay out. exactly their whole process and what.

they were thinking and then like hearing. him talk about why they did it, yeah, I. feel much more comfortable with them. taking Ty Simpson there at 13. But also, my main takeaway was credit to Ty. Simpson for keeping that close to the. vest and not letting it in as you said. like staying with the gimmick even after. you were drafted. Like this dude is. somebody you could trust. He seems like. he is he's a vault. And think also his. agent had to be involved. Other people. knew that he talked with these the Rams. and Les Snead and McVay before the draft. and it never got out from anybody. So. like everybody in his camp seems to be.

on the same page and I think that's a. great thing for them. >> Yeah, and we do know who represents him. I think we all do. Uh and that would certainly be something. that would come from their good business. department, which is what they do. Good. business over there and he everywhere. >> Oh yeah. >> Does business everywhere in that. particular world and people are going to. love it. Jimmy Sexton. is the man involved with the Tut Simpson. uh story and Miss Amy I do believe and I. think there's a few others obviously on. the team as a 13th overall pick who's a.

quarterback. So there's going to be a. lot of people that are kind of on the. job of taking care of things and making. sure they stay tight. I just appreciate. the fact that Tut Simpson finds a place. that clearly loves him. >> Mhm. >> And uh you know, Matthew Stafford. seemingly 100% in on all of it. So I. like where they're at. I appreciate Les. Snead joining us. I also appreciate. anytime we get to talk to the actual. decision makers, the people that are. actually in the league that is kind of. driving all this rating success and all. this pop culture conversation. Ladies. and gentlemen, joining us now on this. big GM Tuesday is the general manager.

for the Houston Texans. Big time Mark. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> So I was talking to him whenever I was. out there with Randy all those weeks. Ladies and gentlemen, Nick Caserio. How are you, boss? >> What's happening, fellas? Good to see. you. Yeah, last time we talked I took a. picture with the Randy and then we were. talking a little uh wrestling. So uh. it's good to be back. >> Yeah, me and Randy have had quite a uh. quite a trip. >> You have. >> Since then uh we'll get. >> to see your neck's okay. >> Thank you. It turns out it was 100%.

okay. Uh but there was some strains. obviously throughout all of it. Could. have been anywhere from the C2 to the. C5. Obviously, you know the medical. stuff everything there. Happy we're. clear, but Cody got me, too. Crossroads. Jelly. >> Yeah. >> Okay, that thing shattered. I still got. wood. >> splinters got to be. >> all over the place, let alone wood. >> Well done. Very well done by everybody. involved. Very well done. >> Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Okay, it's very well done. Let's. talk about you.

Uh okay, so you make massive moves. You. make Will Anderson the highest-paid. non-quarterback in NFL history. Congratulations. That's obviously a. previous draft pick and a massive move. on draft night uh that comes to fruition. for you and obviously obviously uh sets. the tone for your Houston Texans. defense. I love that you've done that. 28 trades you have done now through your. draft. Is it just something that you. have to do? You feel like you're super. active in there? Like how do you view. your approach to draft night and when do. you know the guy that you want and when. do you know you're going to move to.

potentially get him? >> Yeah, honestly, I didn't realize it was. that many trades. I think the reality is. we just try to stay as flexible and. adaptable throughout the process as much. as possible. And as long as we have an. understanding of the players, you have. to have an understanding of the players, understanding of the board, and a lot of. this has to do with positioning. You. don't know exactly what other teams are. going to do or whether or not you're. looking at the same players. So, you. just try to put yourself in the best. position and get yourself in an area. where you think you may have to draft.

that player. So, that's a big part of. the discussion, a big part of the. calculus. So, we try to keep the. conversations moving throughout the. course of the draft. And I think we've. adopted the philosophy we're not. necessarily afraid to do anything and do. it in a responsible way. And as long as. it's in the best interest of the team. and everybody involved, we just try to. make good sound calculated decisions as. we're working through the process. >> Well, it feels like you're building. quite a monster down there with an edge, maybe. You know, you look at a couple of. the guys that you drafted there and you. you're flexible, you're able to move.

But like Caden McDonald, I got a chance. to see him drafted backstage there. I. was with him. I met his whole family. We. got to see him play. He paints his. entire face. It's like that guy's a dog. This guy is an absolute dog. The Keilan. Rutledge draft pick there out of Georgia. Tech. We're hearing stories about him. He's a mean. mean cuss. And then you hear about like. how Will Anderson is. It feels like you. are targeting a certain type of player. And how do you figure out if a person is. a Houston Texan-like player and why. these guys?

>> Yeah, I mean I think we've all seen. toughness and toughness and physicality. win in this league. I think we feel that. way. There's a number of teams that feel. that way. When you look around the. league, I mean it's in the end that. that's going to be an important part of. it. So, we try to identify who are those. players that have those requisite traits. and characteristics throughout the. course of the process. I think our. scouting staff does a great job being. able to get the information and identify. those players that maybe fit the profile. so that when we transition after the. season, when the coaching staff gets. involved, when DeMeco gets involved, we.

can maybe identify some of those players. that have those characteristics that. that were I would say targeting and have. discussed that we feel are important to. winning. Um and I would say those two players in. particular that you mentioned, Rutledge. and McDonald, we feel they both have. those qualities. Um both played for really good programs. I'd say tough, hard-nosed coaches. I. mean, Coach Key at Georgia Tech does a. great job. He's done a great job. And. we've all seen what Coach Day has done. at Ohio State. And, you know, Coach. Patricia, I'd say put his kind of stamp. on the defense there a little bit. So,

there's a familiarity to some extent. with maybe some of the things that they. were doing there. But, those were two. two players that we had a certain level. of conviction on and we were fortunate. enough to be able to add them to the. team. >> And then as the draft unfolds, Marlon. Klein there tight end, he's 6'6" 250. And that that guy is a monster. And we. all saw Adyen Fisher for Indiana. And we. all have such high respect for him. For. you to be able to pick him up at pick. 243, it's like I really like what you're. cooking down there, Nick. I hate. that you're in the AFC South, but I love.

the way you view it. It sounds like. you're looking at dogs only. Go ahead, AJ. >> Yeah, Pat mentioned Aiden Fisher there, your seventh-round pick. Obviously, you don't get a ton of questions about. your seventh-round pick, obviously, but. we watched this guy play in person. multiple times. I guess what did you see. in him? And he has a bunch of tape. He's. played a bunch of football. Seems to be. playing a few steps ahead of everybody. else. Like, what do you like in Fisher? >> Yeah, you said it, AJ. When you watch. him play, he's a very aware, he's a very. instinctive player with a very good.

playing style. And playing that. position, and you know, we had the I. mean, our head coach is the best one of. the best linebackers, if not the best. linebacker, in the history of the. organization. And he was smart and. instinctive. And when you watch Aiden. play, he's not as big as Demeco was, but. he has a lot of those same qualities. He. plays with good anticipation. He has. good range, sideline to sideline. He was. very well thought of within that. program. When you watch their tape, their defense was kind of the sum of the. parts. It wasn't necessarily one. particular player that stood out, but. they played 11 as one, and he was kind.

of the leader of that defense. So, that. was a player when you kind of get into. some of the late rounds, you're looking. for some traits or qualities that, you. know, a player possesses at certain. positions. And the reality is those. players are probably going to have to. make an impact in the kicking game. before they have an opportunity maybe. play on defense. But, really good. playing style, um, you know, comes from. a really good program, a winning. program. Transfer up, coming over from. JMU with Coach Dig. Um, and just his. awareness and instinctiveness is. something that, you know, we feel stood. out in his play.

>> How much him being around an Italian for. an extended period of time. did kind of weigh in on that, you think? >> It always makes a difference. So, he. probably had spaghetti and meatballs. once or twice during the course of the. week, or whatever Coach Dig was serving. down there. >> Yeah. I I assume he's had some moots on. there. >> A lot of prosciutto. >> He's a big rigatoni guy. >> Oh, so much rigatoni. >> Maybe bucatini. >> Oh, maybe. Could be doing any of that. >> Anthony Di Giulio has a question for you. about the draft before we move on to. other team moves. >> Yeah, Nick. Um, there's been a lot of.

talk on X. I'm sure you have not seen. it. Um, about GMs and where they get their. draft picks versus the consensus board. of draft analysts. Now, I'm not going to. ask if you saw that or if you see the. consensus board or whatever, but do you. as a GM use the mock drafts of guys that. you know talk to GMs around the league. to kind of get an idea of where guys are. going to go? And how how is that viewed. in the GM world? >> No, it's a great question. I think you. have to do your work and you kind of. have to stack your board. And there's a.

a multitude of mock drafts that are put. out over the course of call it March, April, and you'll be a little bit closer. and a few more people have theirs. So, we try to do our work and we try to. identify the players that we like and. then we do have a analysis that we will. look at the the mock drafts, if you. will, to see maybe where a player was. projected and then after the draft look. at, all right, what did that who was. most right or where was that player. projected to go? How close was he? You're always going to have some. outliers. And I think when you found it.

this draft, I mean, the reality is play. a teams took players that they liked, that they wanted, and I think that's the. beauty of it. 32 draft boards don't all. look the same and each team is going to. identify the players that they feel that. they want or can help them. So, you. don't necessarily factor in the overall. decision-making. It's maybe something. after the fact that you look at to kind. of see like, all right, where were we? Where were the outliers and kind of how. did that player fall? And as you get a. little bit closer, you start to hear. maybe a little bit more, well, you know. what? Teams may have liked this player a.

little bit more than anticipated. So, you know, you try to factor in. everything, but without factoring in too. much noise cuz ultimately you got to. stay disciplined to your evaluations and. your draft board. >> Well, why would anybody have a different. draft board than anybody else with every. team being built the exact same way? >> Exactly. >> You know, so every team needs the same. exact things. Every team obviously in. the market for the same stuff. Same type. of characteristics like you are clearly. trying to build a locker room that has a. dog mentality. And if you don't let dogs. in then you really can't not have a dog.

mentality which is a big part of your. draft board. I wonder how many analysts. have dog mentality as an actual score. whenever they're trying to subject who. somebody could pick because you were. actually voted amongst the worst in the. consensus big board. I don't know if you. know. 29th and look who's number one Caserio. Look who's number one. The Colts. Was. that your poll or was THAT SOMEBODY. ELSE? I ACTUALLY LIKE YOUR DRAFT A LOT. I ACTUALLY LIKE WHAT YOU guys did a lot.

but it's like such an interesting thing. listening to what you're actually. looking for like hey this is what we. were looking for but that wasn't what. the analysts were looking for. So if you. could be a little bit more like them and. not like a guy actually running a team. maybe you could be like the Colts number. one in the consensus big board. Put a. [ __ ] BANNER UP. WE GOT 30 SECONDS LEFT ON LINEAR. television as we will continue on. YouTube ESPN plus Disney plus TikTok.

live and X we're basically everywhere in. your hands for the next hour or so. This pie's on Nick Caserio will continue. to join us. We don't know how long How. long will you join us for after this 19. 18 17 seconds here? >> However many more questions you all have. for us. >> However many? >> Oh boy. Within reason. >> Ladies and gentlemen strap up if you're. going to join us digitally. We got a. long one if not SportsCenter is about to. crush it. We will see you tomorrow. Be a. friend tell a friend it might just. change their life. Goodbye. Okay, we're.

in there. Hey good answer out of you. Great answer. That was a good answer out. of you. Super humble, super open, within. reason you know you could have added at. the end to do this entire thing because. we have all gone to the bathroom. already. AJ has a bottle under the. table. We don't know what your pissing. situation is. We could do this 4-5. hours. >> No doubt. >> We can come up with questions. >> I got plenty. What are you watching. right now? >> Yeah, that's good. What are your thoughts on the Tribal. Chief coming back? I mean, we can get a. different Let's stay in ball, though. Shall we? Let's stay in ball. Let's go. back to some moves that you were able to. make this off-season, but maybe not.

make. Go ahead, Con Man. >> Yeah, Nick, kind of weird situation. You. signed Donnell Hunter to a 1-year, $40. million deal. We actually all celebrated. it and then realized how bad it was for. our respective teams cuz you still get. that guy. But then, I think the next day. or the day after it came out that the. league didn't approve the contract. What. was that situation? How often does that. happen? And And why would something like. that happen, especially when it's just. an extension and a re-sign, not even, you know, a free agent or trade? >> Yeah. Yeah, and that's a good question. Honestly, it was strictly a semantical.

or kind of a clerical thing on our end. Um, you know, sometimes there's some. void years and some things that included. in contracts. And again, it had to do. more with that. So, it was a very easy. fix. There wasn't anything. Um, there were no shenanigans. The. league had kind of flagged it. So, we. just had to get it fixed real quick. So, I mean, honestly, there was really. nothing to it. I wish I had more for. you, but but there's nothing more to it. than that. >> No shenanigans, he says. Clerical error. on the back end. I appreciate us finding. out about it the way that we did.

>> Yeah, it was weird. >> Cuz it was like, "Breaking! You'll never believe what they're doing. down there." And then the next day we. read a tweet, it's like, "It was just. kind of a filing error in its entirety, not really that big of a deal.". Everything's Have you heard about this. unrestricted free agent tender? Do you. know you can do this? Do you know you. can you can do that to somebody? >> Yeah, it's funny you bring that up. Uh, it doesn't happen very often. Um, when I. was in New England, we actually did it. one year. I think we did it with LG. I.

think we did it with LeGarrette Blount. Um, you know, I think it's again, it's. kind of case-by-case, sort of team. discretion. Um, so, I mean, I think it looks like. Pittsburgh did it with Aaron. Uh I'm sure when you bring him on the. show, he'll talk about it, but. >> No, no, no. >> it happens. It doesn't happen a lot, but. it it it does happen periodically, and I. think it's just more of the teams. looking at it from the perspective of, you know, just trying to maybe. potentially keep a a good player around, potentially beyond, you know, the.

upcoming season. >> Okay, so you get an email that says that. this is happening from the Pittsburgh. Steelers. So, you are basically told by. the NFL, "Hey, if you are in pursuit of. Aaron Rodgers, know that this has. happened." So, is that how that works? >> Well, they notify the team, so it. doesn't it doesn't preclude you from. potentially signing that player. So, it. just knows there's certain parameters. that are involved in a situation like. this. So, you all have the note up. there, so that gets promulgated to the. teams. So, at least they're aware of the.

player's status, and then you can deal. with it however you see fit, you know, based on the team. >> Okay, fascinating. How often are those. types of emails coming to you guys? Like, is there a daily like, "Hey, this. is kind of what is happening around, this is what's taking place?". >> There is. There's something that gets. sent out daily. Just essentially a. snapshot of the transactions that take. place. So, sometimes there it's that. day, the transaction takes place that. day, sometimes there's a little bit of a. time lapse there, but it it's a way for, you know, essentially all teams to have.

the same information. The league does a. good job of making sure that, you know, all teams have the appropriate. information. >> Fascinating. Hey, you like moves in the. off There's a lot of people getting. emails cuz of [ __ ] that you do. Go. ahead, Tash McNeel. >> Yeah, Nick, one of the moves I that I. love that you made, and it was early in. the off season, you guys traded for. David Montgomery. And the last couple. years, you've got production from your. running back room, but it feels like it. kind of has been like a musical chairs. thing, where last year, you know, with. Mixon, we didn't know what was going on, and he ended up not playing that much. Woody Marks, obviously, looked pretty.

good, but how important was it going. into this year to find like a bell cow. or a guy that you could actually rely on. and maybe take some of that pressure off. CJ and kind of get that that running. game, you know, very very good moving. forward? >> Yeah, the running game's an important. part of any offense. So, hopefully it'll. be a big part of our offense as well. That was a position that we had. identified. We were probably going to. add a player or two at some point along. the way. So, we just looked at our. opportunities and you know, David was a. player that was very highly thought of.

in our building. Highly thought of in the Lions building. as well. Like we have a lot of respect. for the program that Coach Campbell and. Brad are running in Detroit and we. practiced with them. We played against. them a few years back. David's been a very consistent, a very. productive player who's tough, kind of. going back to what we were talking about. a little bit earlier, Pat. I mean, the. toughness and his physicality kind of. stands out in his play. So, we felt that. this was a player if we had a chance to. add him to the team, would be a good fit. for some of the reasons that, you know, we articulated. >> Yeah, and what you're saying there, there's some him stats that kind of back.

it up. And I don't want to bring up poor. stats again, okay? Cuz this is not good. This is not fun. You're the general. manager of the damn team. But on that note, goal-to-go efficiency. for the Texans, 26th in the NFL. Red. zone efficiency as a whole, 30th out of. 32. David Montgomery has 33 rushing. touchdowns since 2023, which is the. eighth most. 28 of which come inside the. 8-yard line. Hey, we have a little bit. of an issue finishing here. Let's go. ahead and bring a finisher in who we. also respect coming from a great place. I love the move. Just like I love. everything that you do. Even though. their stats are saying you're ass.

I That's what they said. I I didn't love. that. I didn't love that they said that, but that is what they said. Your team. has obviously been. um. very successful since the first snap. that CJ Stroud took, okay? Rookie year. sensation. They were talking about him. being the maybe the greatest rookie in. the history of football. Now, the next. step, the next step, the next step. Deebo has a question for you. >> kind of had to ride the the ebbs and. flows of of the league and he's been. successful by all accounts in my. opinion. You know, a few playoff wins. already. But in your opinion, uh what's.

the next step? What do you want to see. CJ Stroud and his game to take that next. step? I saw you picked up his fifth-year. option. We just saw Will Anderson get. paid. They're extremely got paid. Obviously, everyone expects CJ Stroud to. get paid here at some point. But what in. your opinion, through your eyes, what do. you want to see as that next step from. your franchise quarterback? >> Yeah, Deebo. I mean, the reality is, I. mean, it's just to approach it this year. with the right attitude and just go out. there and play good, consistent. football. I mean, CJ's one of the better. quarterbacks here in the league. He's. shown that in the first 3 years. You. know, right now we're in the offseason. program here. He's been He's He's been.

here. He's been involved. He's had a. good attitude. He's worked really hard. So, again, it's focus on the things that. you can improve, you know, correct some. of the things or where the areas of. growth. I mean, that's what this program. and that's what the focus is for him and. our program. And DeMeco talks to the. players about that all the time. So, it's just kind of focusing on yourself. and continually improving and getting. better, and then growing um in the areas. that, you know, we've identified that we. feel you can growth in, you know, we're. glad that he's here. We're glad he's. under center. We're glad that he's our. quarterback. >> All right, Casario,

what do you think of the Tribal Chief. being back? >> Uh. I'm okay with it, I think. Uh I might. need some new blood here at some point. ROMAN ROMAN IS OBVIOUSLY VERY HIGHLY. thought No, Roman's great for uh. it's great for the WWE and uh he's a. great champion. I think he's the next challenger is. >> So, I didn't see what happened. Did he. accept Fatu's challenge last night or. did he not?

>> The one is that Backlash? >> It's next Monday. They'll be squaring. off next Monday and they will be. squaring off Backlash. But from what. Nick is saying, he sounds like a Obafemi. guy to me. >> Obafemi? Wow, he's kind of interesting. Yeah, he's a big dude. He's a big dude. >> He just laid the beast. What. Brock Lesnar retired? >> Hung his boots up. >> Hey, Brock, >> Yeah, Brock looks like Brock was ready, so. >> What's that? What do you mean? >> Looks like Brock was ready. He he put in. his good years and he was ready to go. >> Yeah, right. He's a real He'll stab you. >> Nobody like him. Nobody like him.

>> Yeah, maybe you bring him down to. Houston Texans, you know, maybe because. he was a Viking there for a little bit. Yeah, oh my god, he would he would show. up him running out in that bull. >> Mhm. >> full uni. That'd be [ __ ] hilarious. >> happen. >> All right, uh good luck the rest of the. way. What are we doing now? We signed. our undrafted free agents. We got work. out this weekend because Ravens, I don't. know if you know this, well, not he. would not be available. Diego Pavia has. signed a deal with the Ravens. He was. supposed to work out this weekend at a. rookie uh mini camp tryout type thing.

They have signed him to continue over. there with the Baltimore Ravens, which. is good What What are you looking like. that for? >> I thought he already signed the deal in. March with Joe Flacco. >> They did. They did. >> They're giving out three-year deals to. what is going on? >> Yeah, Joe Flacco and. >> No, actually, DB, the way the the. undrafted contracts are now, that's. standard for everybody. So, if the. undrafted they're all three-year deals. So, the league kind of standardize that. So, um again, that I want to say that's. new over the last few years. So, again, all undrafted players that haven't.

signed an NFL contract, they all sign. three-year deals now. So, it's pretty. it's pretty pretty standard practice. >> Okay, so on that note, first-rounders. can get a fifth-year option picked up, which has happened for you. Um and the back normal deals, rookie. deals four-year deals, is that normal in. the. >> Correct. That's correct. >> four-year deal. And then undrafted is. now three-year deals. So, everything's. kind of standardized now. >> Yes, for the most part it is. >> So, if you go undrafted and you go, you. can sign earlier. >> Yeah, so let's say you play it out or.

after the three years and then depending. on how it goes, you're you're going to. be restricted or unrestricted. So, I. mean, again, if you're restricted, then. it's up to the club to decide whether or. not they retain your services or if they. don't tender you. So, um the four-year deals are a little bit. more to your point, Pat, a little more. standardized and, you know, after the. fourth year, then they'll be free. agents. If you haven't done an extension. with that player after the third year, which all players are extension eligible. after their third year. So, then you have the choice of whether.

or not you're going to do it regardless. of the round. The first round is the. first round. That's a part of it, but. even a player that's in the middle. rounds, after 3 years, like you have the. ability to extend him before the end of. his contract. So, you know, every team. will kind of look at that on a. case-by-case basis. >> We're kind of heading in that direction, aren't we? Don't you think that's kind. of becoming more and more like that's. why I think your situation is getting. loud, right? I think your situation with. CJ is going to become a louder. conversation cuz it feels like the deals. are getting done earlier or expected to. be done earlier and it's getting louder.

about deals getting done earlier. Do you. agree with that? >> Yeah, I think you're seeing it more. commonplace maybe than it was. previously. So, again, I think each team. is probably having a lot of the same. discussions and those discussions will. probably continue throughout the course. of springs and into the training camp. and into the into the season. So, you're. seeing deals done really, I mean, across. all times all parts of the year. Spring, training camp, in-season deals. So, you know, and I think the team every. team probably approaches a little bit.

differently. You know, we're pretty flexible and, you. know, in the end we'll just try to. figure out and thread the needle on. every player that, you know, timing-wise. we feel makes the most sense. >> For the good of the Texans, you know, seems like you got a bunch of dogs down. there. How much would you have loved. Baine on your own. >> Oh. >> Really good player. >> Yeah, you had Baine. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I. assume you had Baine very high. Yeah, yeah. I assume you did. >> Very good player. >> Him everything he did, that hat grab. everything about it was just like. everything that Cristobal said about. him, everything it's like, yeah, feels.

like this is a guy that was probably. high on the dog draft board down there. in Houston if I had to guess. >> He's on He was on the dog board, for. sure. >> Yeah, I can imagine. It's awesome. I. appreciate the way you view ball. I. appreciate what you're doing down there. and I appreciate you taking time to. chit-chat with us. You're the man, general manager of the Houston Texans, pies on extraordinaire, Nick Caserio. See you, Nick. Hold on, was he saying. something there when we just muted him? >> Yeah, real quick. Just want to say I. appreciate your support. on the donation. I know we had a little. fun there at the combine with the throw,

but in reality was that donation, you know, my. oldest daughter had a fundraising. campaign and effort, and she ended up. being. the highest. donor because of a donation that you all. gave and provided. So, really appreciate. your support. Appreciate the relationship with the. program and a lot of respect for what. you all do, and thanks for for being a. part of that. >> Hey, thank you for the opportunity. You. can spin it, brother. Never forget it. And I'm happy we can be a part of that.

You're the best. Ladies and gentlemen, that was Nick Caserio. >> Thanks, fellas. Appreciate it. >> Yeah, Nick. >> That was very kind of him. >> First. >> We we buried him the first time. >> Big time. >> I had to. >> I love Nick. >> Yeah, you obviously know him from your. Patriots days. We. I mean, it was kind of we had to do it. He had headphones on, general manager, directly to sideline. Sideline was coaching a team that was. ass. >> So, yeah. >> Okay?

Why is this general manager [ __ ] got. headphones on? Get this guy out of the. god damn game. So, we obviously mock and. ridicule him mightily. Everything goes. to [ __ ] They become a. uh dumpster fire. >> Oh, yeah. Laughingstock. >> Whole whole thing. >> What about when play? >> Mhm. >> Dave Coley's chewing on his tongue. >> Actually. >> Yeah. >> He got a raw deal. >> He was one your coach with Josh McCarron. was going to let I mean, it was all bad. down there. >> Mhm. Coach Dave got a raw deal. >> Everything was We agree coach Dave did. get a raw deal, but during that process. his head was I mean, it was it was all.

bad down there. And then all of a sudden. he starts chipping away this guy. He. comes on the program, we're like, this. guy's going to [ __ ] hate us. He's got. to do it. And he come on immediately he. said, I know what you guys had to do. I. mean, can I talk about this? I've been. doing it since my Patriots days. It. feels like I should know what's going. on, especially if I'm picking the. people. That's just kind of how I. operate. I'm not on there telling them. what plays to run. I would just like to. know what's kind of happening and how I. can help out. I've been doing it. literally forever. We won a couple Super. Bowls. >> Okay, with his entire team. >> So, so it was like it was very. fascinating getting to know him. Super. bright finance guy whenever it comes to.

like numbers and business and everything. like that. And then the way he's been. able to. uh seemingly seek the people that he. would like in his building has been. superb. So, I uh I'm a big fan of old. paisan down there in Houston. >> I hated to turn the age of 60. >> Big fan of Nick as well. And obviously. you, you know, do you want a Super Bowl? Do you want a championship? How does. your quarterback to see? That's what. he's going to be judged off on, but he's. always been a great communicator and him. being having a headset on, he's had his. kind of fingerprints all over the.

organization. His days in New England. kind of was a de facto GM at some point. So, I love to see him having success in. Houston. But, you know, you have a. quarterback who we deem as a good. franchise uh level quarterback, it's. going to come down to how much can you. win and can you get to the big one and. win one? >> Yeah, I uh I like C.J. Stroud a lot, too. A.J. >> How could you not? I mean, I obviously. who would you get take instead of him? Like when when people want to say that. he's he's falling off whatever. Yeah, there's definitely an up and up and. downs as a NFL quarterback. But, yeah,

who are who are you going to get instead. of this guy? >> Aaron Rodgers, maybe. >> Ooh. >> Yeah. >> Why did they sign that? What is that Why. did they sign that whole situation? >> I know. So, what do you think? Okay, okay, this is I'm happy you're here. This is. >> saying are they trying to protect. themselves? Like what do they like they. don't want him going somewhere else or. they don't want him like say somebody. gets hurt, he hasn't signed, it's July. 29th, and he goes and plays somewhere. else. Is that what they're trying to. like protect themselves from that. happening? >> He can't do that, I think, with this. thing being signed. >> That's what I'm saying, yeah. So, if. they didn't do that, they could they. think, "Hey, what if he came on August.

10th, somebody got hurt, and he goes and. all of a sudden he's starting for the. Packers again. >> Well, and I think they're also. >> That's why they did this. >> Well, that and also I think they're. trying. um to allegedly get a compensatory pick, but the way Caserio just said it there, he's like this is somebody you're trying. to keep around or whatever, something. like that. I guess there's multiple. different ways that this thing could be. used. But, if you're Aaron Rodgers, how. are you viewing it, AJ? I My immediate. thought was, so I've given this league. 23 years of my life. And if I am choosing to become a.

mercenary at this stage, where I go in. after somebody gets hurt, like to your. point, first week, sixth week, 10th. week, quarterback goes down on a good. team, I would like to go do that. Now, I can't do that because of this. tender that is somehow in the CBA that I. had no idea that existed. It's a crazy. thing that a 23 Is this 23-year? A. 23-year NFL vet can get slapped a tender. on him that's like, "Yeah, you can play, but you got to do it soon. You got to do.

it soon." It's like, "What if you don't. want to do that?" And there's a chance. he doesn't want to do that. And it's. like uh. I don't know if this is just going to be. and I appreciate the Steelers looking. out for themselves. You know, every. team's got to do what they got to do. But, I'd assume Aaron is taking this a. certain way. AJ, you would know better than me. AJ, how how do you. >> I don't know. I would guess that you. could also look at it like, "Hey, this. team really wants me back. They really. want me. If I'm playing football, they. want me on their team." That's how you. could look at it. >> And also they're paying me whatever 10%. raise increase. They made a formal. public announcement you could do that.

It's just fascinating that this exists. I I don't think I knew. of JK Dobbins I guess had it happen in. 2023 I think is what was said or. something like or no, the last need. >> 25. >> Yeah, it's what 25 Okay, so this has. happened before. But, like to a. quarterback this old in the NFL who is. considered who he is, you know, first. ballot Hall of Famer we assume. We don't. know what a first ballot Hall of Famer. looks like anymore. It's like that's an. interesting thing to just roll out here. on.

Big GM Tuesday, April 28th. >> I mean, knowing what we know at this. point, I think what everyone knows, like. there had to be a conversation, right? Especially like, you know, I know I know. I know Mike McCarthy's not the one who's. like drawing this up and ultimately. making this like he knows Rodgers. He. You know, you think he would tell Omar. or at least if they hadn't talked like, you know what, maybe we kind of just. pump the brakes on this. Like he might. take this the wrong way. >> AJ, have you heard how Tony is talking. about it all? He He's excited for a. compensatory pick. >> Yeah, pretty wild. >> Yeah, I think 2027 is the.

>> Tony's turn here. Tony used to kind of. play both way, you know, say, "Oh, you. know, he can come back, whatever, but. I'll make a decision." Now you're just. you're all out. Is that where you're at. right now? >> The vibes are bad. The vibes are bad. >> That's why you're wearing all black. today? The funeral? >> The Yeah, it's Yeah. And the vibes are. just terrible around the guy. We don't. need him. WE DON'T NEED HIM. >> WHAT? YOU DON'T NEED HIM? >> THERE IS SOME I'VE BEEN around him. It's. been good vibes. Good vibes. >> really? Every Tuesday was good vibes? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, there were some that immediately. afterwards it got really loud vibes. It. was really really. >> There it is. There it is. Football. >> Hey, that is Aaron Rodgers.

>> And if he doesn't want to play football. with the Steelers, [ __ ] him. >> Okay, but he's on the line too now if he. makes that decision after training camp. >> Well, he should make a decision before. training camp. >> He wants to live his life. >> What What happens before training camp. anyways? >> Yeah. >> Nothing. What happens during training. camp? Damn near nothing. The guy The. guy's going into his 24th year. He He. can show up September 1st if he wants. to. >> That's what I'm I'm saying. This is an. interesting The wizard. >> It's 20th season by the way. Let's not. give him extra years. >> Okay, sorry. We don't know cuz we don't. know if. >> Those COVID years were worth two.

>> And he didn't start for the first three, so it's technically under 20 years. >> Okay. Hold on. WHAT'S GOING ON. HERE? I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER. I don't. like what's going on here. This is a. first ballot Hall of Famer. >> Cool. >> Okay, he You wanted the decision before. draft. I I think there was a lot of. fictitious timelines that were kind of. put out into the world so that I think. those timelines were put out there so. that Aaron would make a decision by. those timelines cuz I think like. maybe ownership made one at one point. They're like. we're expecting to hear before draft.

That's owner talking publicly about like. hey this is what we would hope, you. know. Now was there conversation with. Aaron about that? Did Aaron ever say hey. I'll give you that? Is Aaron even in. contact right now? Like can you even. >> America. >> Yeah, can you even reach him, right? I. don't know. We have no idea. One of the. interesting. Mount Rushmore quarterback in the NFL. which is what we also have to remember. Mike McCarthy's offense is one that he. knows. Pittsburgh's building now is one. that he knows. Feels like he knows. everybody in the building still would be. a very comfortable.

I think a good setup for him to play. another year of football at least maybe. one maybe two more years. >> Yeah, maybe three. >> more years. I don't know especially. after. >> till he's 50. We want volunteers not. hostages. >> That coach is now working for NBC and. he's going to be great on TV. >> staying. >> Yeah, he did. You don't know that. >> This guy needs to figure it out at the. Derby. >> Enough of the oh we're just here having. fun. We're just shy. >> I'm not going to be weird like. >> Grill him and. >> be coy about it. You don't have to. necessarily grill him but let's get some. [ __ ] answers.

>> Please. >> AJ, the city of Pittsburgh was good to. you. There was there was an AJ Hawk. chant. You're from Ohio. >> owe them. >> Love Pittsburgh people. Love the. Pittsburgh people. >> Exactly. You The Pittsburgh people. and Aaron knows this. >> You're right. I got my I got a custom. towel with my name on it but I traded. Tok. He has mine. I have Tok. So. >> It's a good trade. >> We traded at the party. >> Bill Cowher has mine. >> I saw that picture actually. >> What's. >> With AJ and Tok trading. >> Oh, they traded their towels. >> or like a shirt. >> I didn't see that. Both had a good night.

out there. You know, you guys laid it. all out there. I appreciate you guys. swapping towels. >> Bill Cowher took mine. You had a video. of it. >> Yes. >> Cuz I was wondering where mine went and. then I watched your video and I was like. oh I never got that. Coach Cowher. currently has that. >> it. Yeah, me and me and the bone. actually got left out. We did not. receive towels together. >> The bone did the Cody Rhodes situation. >> How about Cody calling calling him the. bone on on national television? >> What do you mean?

>> I just love it. I just love Cody. bringing bringing the bone into the. storyline. Like he's going to be out. there in the squared circle soon enough. >> The bone? The bones? I don't know. SportsCenter. That wasn't what it was. That wasn't. what it was at all. >> He added an S to it. >> What did we learn about the American. Nightmare? >> He's the one. >> He might be the one. >> He might be the one. >> He might be He might just be the one. >> He might be the. >> We threw everything at him that we had. Everything. Everything. >> Yeah. I agree. >> Day before the bell.

>> Yep. >> Could have never expected that. >> No. >> Main event WrestleMania. No [ __ ]. would do that. None. He could have never. expected that. I'm up to my old tricks again. Bang! I. get him. Then he turned it on me. He kicked me. and almost. >> He yeah, almost launched out of the. ring. >> Almost out of me. He had his boots. >> Had on buckle damn near. >> Yeah, actually. Actually, that was. almost it for me. That was talking about. it. Went through a couple pairs of. sunglasses. >> Yeah. >> that night. Obviously, those things are. broken. >> Nice ones.

>> Nice ones. Not from Amazon. >> No. >> Not three, four, five-dollar ones. >> No. They're three, four, five thousand. >> Yeah. >> No. I don't want people thinking I pay. that much. Don't pay that much for. sunglasses. There is very nice very cheap sunglasses. out there. It was a long night, but Cody. Rhodes somehow very end. I mean, I was going to. >> Oh, yeah. >> I don't know if it would have counted. I. do I do want to. >> I think it would have. >> Brian Westbrook's kid asked me why I ran. the Orton got me, you know, and so did.

Mark Ingram's kid. You know, they asked. me the same question as soon as they saw. me. Hey, why did Randy Orton do it? I. guess I should have counted faster. Like that's what I should have done. But. I I Cody was Dunzo. So I was trying to. just enjoy the moment, you know. >> Yeah, exactly. I was paying homage to the Hulkster. >> Boom! You know, I was trying to I was. really feeling it. I wanted to make sure. we were all very clear about where I was. on that count, if it was one or if it. was two or if there was a fake one that. came in earlier cuz I don't think a lot. of people had their eyes on that. particular count with where everybody. ended up at. So, you know, we're trying.

to get that thing loud out there and. then that's three If I hit that three. there, you know. >> Ooh, you could tell. >> Yeah, what a thing. If I hit that three, Randy Orton's. champion? >> Yeah, I mean. ref shirt on. >> Yeah, but. >> It would have been better for you to hit. that three. There's no bell and you're. trying to call it. You're saying it's. over and no one's acknowledging it at. all. >> That's what I'm wondering. >> That would have been nice. >> Tyrese Haliburton asked me that. immediately afterwards. He was like, "So, if you would have got the three, like what happens?" I'm like, "Fucking. right.". And then he said, "Who said that?" I was.

like, >> Tyrese is wearing a. >> I mean, three count. Three count. >> Does he Did he not see the stripes? >> I think he didn't think I was like a uh. official ref. >> Sanctioned? You got cert- You got. certified. >> That was actually a little bit of a. problem in one of the states, actually. Not allowed that physicality without. having a little bit of something but. when you see Cody Rhodes down, you can't. help yourself but. you know. Hey, is there any anything happening? No, no, no. All good. All good. All. good. Just Just talk. Just talk.

>> Now, you're done forever. >> Forever. >> Forever. >> It sucks. >> Moment of silence, maybe. >> Now, gone. forever. It was a good run. It was a fun run. I travel chief's back, which is kind of. a little bit of a bummer that now I'm. gone. He said he'll be here all summer. He did a Michael Jordan taping. >> Yeah. There it is. That run.

Yeah. >> I'm a genius. I'm a genius. I'm a. genius. Wow. >> What? >> Damn. >> That was a slow. >> Oh, you were so close. >> I am so mad. Right there he's like, "Why. don't you just count faster, you. dipshit?" We didn't know that at the. time. No. That That's what he was. thinking. Right there he's thinking, "You. >> Looking back on it though. >> What the [ __ ]. >> So he's laughing. >> Yeah. Voices. Oh my god.

What a move by Randy. They're both bleeding out there. >> Yeah. >> They really left it all in the mat. Didn't they? >> What's one tears? So were you on the. >> First protocol? >> medical table like you just had gotten. strapped up still doing your. like what what. >> Yeah. >> before you hit the. >> Yeah. They were They were I just Yeah. They had scanned me up a couple times. I. got CT, MRI, and X-rays. >> Were you in the referee locker room? Is. that where you got the shirt? >> No, I ran by it. >> Nice. >> As I was watching.

I'm like, "You know what? There's a. chance these boys are really getting. after it. They're both bleeding, you. know?" I knew there was a possible. chance I was stretch it out earlier. already cuz Joey rolled Joey rolled me. and I got hit with cross roads before. match even started. >> Yeah. >> I mean it was really from the beginning. all the way to the very end. Nightmare. situation for me. My American nightmare. happened in Las Vegas as I got. But I mean. >> him he ate you that punch. Telegraph. >> Vicious attacks. >> Yeah, I got to stop trying to punch like. that. But yeah, I was in the back CT. scan, MRI, and an X-ray. Didn't get any. scans back cuz I had to get up and.

bounce. Obviously scans are coming back. on Tuesday. So I had to get up and get out of there. I let people know I was okay cuz my. family might be watching, but everybody. here This is how I feel still. You need. to understand that. >> What a great run. >> I didn't even see my shoulder was really. up and. I didn't know I had that much energy cuz. I thought my body That's why I was going. to stretcher. >> I hope they got this video you just on. unreal or something. Snatching the shirt and doing it all. >> It's in the back there. Sure. They got. cameras everywhere there. Yeah. I I even.

grabbed the neck thing. I was like, is. this the thing? And they go. >> Yeah, put that on right now. >> Now. >> And I did. And I ran. It's not your referee shirt. Took my. shirt off. I was wearing a shirt at the. back. Saw some people that were. What you say about the business? >> Yeah. >> I was talking to you. I ran it through there, you know, get up. through gorilla. >> Oh, look what happened. Just as I. thought. >> Boom. >> Randy needs me. >> And then all of a sudden Randy looks at. me and it's like, here. >> Mhm. >> We are. >> I'm the one.

>> Get ready. >> I'm coming, Randy. All right. And then I. tell Randy, genius my [ __ ] genius, just like I said. That's what I'm doing. there. So, yeah. I'd say. I don't know how long it take me to run. that 300-yd, whatever the hell over long. that was. >> 10 seconds. 4 and 1/2 seconds. >> I was kind of guy I gliding a little. bit. I was kind of gliding. >> Thought you had wheelies on for a. second. I said, Jesus Christ, this guy is flying. down the ramp. >> Could you imagine wheelies down that. ramp? I do I do I the knees I'm pretty pumped. about. The knees, you know, the science.

of sciencing there. Yeah, it's feeling. pretty good. But that's what I was. doing. I I was You're right. I was on a. train table waiting on. >> How slow? Was. >> Little slow? >> Yeah. >> You think it was slow? Is that what. Randy. >> Let's take a Let's take a look at the. count. >> Yeah, well, Randy I think got really mad. cuz of how slow the count. >> He's already got him covered. >> Damn it. >> Oh, how did you. >> But could you imagine how good that. third one was? >> I certainly I'm with you. >> I was trying to put it through the ring.

>> Probably drove him nuts. >> Yeah. Yeah, I. >> Like Tiger backing off a swing when he. hears a noise in the back. Like on that. third one you were about to smack the. red mat and you saw him kick out and you. both you didn't make contact. >> I don't know about any of that. I don't. know about any of that. I was just trying to live up the moment. a little bit. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> I was about to save the business right. there in front of my broken neck. >> Yeah, it's Mania. >> All right, let's get the hell out of. here. What do we not talk about today? >> Uh. >> The The guy. >> Oh, yeah. Guy who saved by Young Hoe. Koo.

>> Yeah, Young Hoe Koo. This is a massive. story where. you know, something bad happens, you. think, but then it actually just gets. you to. a place where you get inspected. basically for everything else. And all. of a sudden, holy hell, we have a. life-saving situation. Missed kick for. Young Hoe leads this man to. obviously lose a little bit. >> Yeah, Kentucky man was watching the. Monday Night Football game, Giants-Packers, we all remember it. Young Hoe Koo actually didn't even miss. the kick. It was actually a little the.

fumble because he did not hit the ball. He hit the ground before the ball. Man. in Kentucky watching the game in his own. home in his bed with his wife starts. hysterically laughing to the point of. seizing, starts to have a seizure. His wife, who I believe either works in. a hospital, she calls 911 immediately. He goes to said hospital, gets a CT scan. done, reveals a tennis ball-sized tumor.

in his brain, benign, not cancerous. They remove it, basically saved his life. cuz Young Hoe Koo missed that kick so. miserably. >> That's That's an incredible thing. >> Yeah, that's awesome. >> And Young Hoe didn't know at the time he. was potentially doing that. And it it. got loud for Young Hoe. >> Oh, yeah. >> A lot of people are questioning a lot of. things. But how how could you be. a kicker, just in general, a. professional kicker and miss the ball. that badly? Yeah, he he was in public. public scrutiny on Young Hoe Koo was. really high.

He was down in Atlanta, people loved. him. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Then he has a doff like this, people go. crazy. I don't think he thought the hold. was going to get down. He was trying to. check his swing, you know, and and the. the ump at first was like, >> Yeah. >> Yes, he did. >> Yes, he did. >> Uh-huh. >> Yes, you did. And the internet did as. well. So, I'm happy that good came from. that terrible day for Young Hoe. I hope. he finds solace in that. >> Yeah, I'm sure he does. I'm sure he's. looking at that and said, "You know. what, that was the most important kick. of my life and I didn't even touch the. ball. >> Week three, the Ravens will face the. Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. They played.

down there to start the season. It was. the Chiefs and the. >> Eagles. >> No, the Chiefs and Chargers did and then the. year before it was Eagles Packers. >> Okay, so we've played a couple times now. down in Brazil. This game will be. electrifying. Dak Prescott, saw him. bopping into work. He looked like he was. jacked up. He did have a little He looked lighter. He looked lighter. >> What's that about? >> He's all jacked up about life. >> Pickens almost signed his tag. >> Yeah, well.

>> He's jacked up about. >> Will George Pickens be a part of this. week three game in Rio de Janeiro? Let's. go around the room. This is the question. of the day. George Pickens is thinking. about doing his franchise tag, even. though we were certainly told that he. signed his franchise tag, which led us. to believe maybe he's going to get. traded. Now, if he signs a franchise tag. Dallas Cowboys could do whatever they. want. He's locked in for at least a year, maybe another. If he doesn't show up, it. doesn't count as a year, so he's got him. in the next year and you can get. franchise tagged twice.

>> Yes, you can. >> They used to be able to get franchise. tagged an unlimited amount of times. Then you get franchise tagged three. times. Now you can get franchise tagged. twice. George Pickens can choose to use. one of the franchise tag years, which. the Dallas Cowboys said he was going to. play under, but Mel Gibson is agent. That just doesn't feel like it's a real. thing. D-Butch, is George Pickens. playing in Rio de Janeiro week three. with the Dallas Cowboys against the. Ravens? >> It's hard to guess what Jerry Jones is. ever going to do. That year last year was unbelievable. You got one of the highest paid wide.

receivers already, the highest paid. quarterback in the league, APY. I'm. going to say no, he will not be a. Cowboy. >> No, George Pickens will not be a Dallas. Cowboy. He's not on the graphic. If you. did see, he is not on the graphic for. Rio de Janeiro. Let's go to one half of. the hammer, done. Cowboys AP Town. You. have an AP vote for all the awards in. the NFL. We need to start looking into. those about the biases. that are potentially happening within. those votes, for sure. I'm not saying. for you, Tone. Maybe though. Actually, what do we know? We We don't really know.

anymore. Do you think George Pickens. will be playing for the Cowboys in. Brazil? >> Uh But, you said it's hard to know what. Jerry's going to do. It's also hard to. know what George is going to do. So, um. no. I don't think that's going to. happen. >> Okay, so that's two no's. Uh let's go to. the toxic table. We have Boss Connor, we. have Ty Schmidt. Ty, you first. Do you. think George Pickens will be playing the. Ravens in Brazil? >> April 28th right now, that is an awful. lot of time for George Pickens to raise. hell, raise a ruckus, do whatever he's. going to do. No, I do not think he's. going to be a Dallas Cowboy. >> Okay, like Michael Parsons, you think.

he's going to be on his way out. You. obviously reaped the benefits of that in. the Green Bay Packers organization. Traded a couple picks for it, but I. think you would say job well done to. uh. >> policy. >> Juju takes his and policy. >> That's policy. >> Paul heads policy up there. Carmond's. boy. Uh Boston Connor, do you think George. Pickens is with the Dallas Cowboys? >> I think so. Yeah, I just cuz the flash, the flare, everything that Jerry loves. And and look, it is April 28th and we've. heard Jerry say it like, "Hey, I'll I'll.

stir some [ __ ] up just so people are. talking about the Cowboys. [ __ ] I don't. care." And Pickens with CD Lamb, it's an. entertaining brand of football. Let me. ask you something, what's the most uh. the highest viewed regular season game. in the history of football? Oh, Cowboys-Chiefs, Thanksgiving. And George. Pickens is on that field. And he knows, "Hey, people love this guy." Now that. Dak is walking in like that, you think. Dak's that happy if he knows that George. Pickens isn't going to be there? Dak is. that happy cuz he knows he's got the. best damn tandem in the entire league.

>> Jeremy Fowler says last week the Cowboys. received verbal commitment via email. from George Pickens' agents that the. star receiver is signing his franchise. tag. He is yet to sign the tender as Todd. Archer has reported. Dallas still has no. plans to trade him. Now, that email. there that they received that said he's. going to sign his franchise tag is what. sent every insider into a frenzy saying. George Pickens signed the franchise tag. It's just kind of how it was being. reported day of the draft which led us. to think he's going to get traded. AJ.

Hawk, you're the final one to give your. official go-ahead. >> Is an email verbal? >> There's a voice There's a voice memo in. it. >> Just want to go. >> He signed it. >> Yeah, I am. >> You said that's the email? >> Yeah, that's the email. >> Is there a subject or no subject? >> Ooh. >> What do you think it says? GP? >> GP. GPFT. >> GPFT {question mark}? >> No subject. From the agency there's a. subject on there. >> I think there has to be urgent. >> Yeah, we we them boys.

>> Urgent we them boys. >> Yeah. >> Dallas Cowboys. >> That could be It's pretty catchy. >> Yeah, immediately you're like, oh [ __ ]. let's list this. >> AJ, what are your thoughts on George. Pickens? What are your thoughts on. them boys, the Cowboys, and George. Pickens'. relationship with them? >> I do not believe he will be there week. three in Brazil. I think he eventually. signs his franchise tag and gets traded. >> What if he gets traded to the Ravens? >> Okay, that's a possibility.

>> Then he is, yeah. >> Yeah, I guess there's only 32 teams. >> back out. >> Oh, cuz that's what they do. >> Yeah. >> Oh. >> There's also a chance he's on the. >> Cowboys and he's just jacking around and. misses the flight down there and plays. the game. >> Like in Vegas. >> He's on team. >> Yeah. >> It could happen. >> Had played the week week two. >> Yeah, and plays week four. Just goes to. check out the favelas. >> Man, I didn't have my passport. >> Yeah, exactly. >> have a passport? >> That's. >> That whole process is. redundant, I would say.

>> And it's an oversight because he's not. technically on the team so they didn't. check to see if he had his passport for. this game. >> Yeah, cuz they can't put him on the. graphics. They can't do anything at this. point. >> that one. >> [ __ ] GP, you need your passport. I. think you need to get that just in case. Or, is he going to raise hell? >> I think he I think GP's got a lot of. hell raising. >> I think so, too. I think so, too. I. genuinely believe that. All right, uh. let's get the hell out of here, shall. we? I There's a new addition to uh the. desk here, an LA Dodgers cap. This is.

a tribute to Bob Kevoian of the Bob and. Tom Show, the man that did my wedding, a. man who I moved into a house across town. to be a neighbor of alongside his wife, Becky, and his brother-in-law, Frank, and the entire crew over there. A man. who has literally been a part of every. single step of. my microphone talking life. A lot of. people know I got my start with Bob and. Tom. They are a radio show, morning. radio show here in Indianapolis, Indiana, that was syndicated to 180.

different stations at one point, 6:00. a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Eastern, and every. person that drove a truck like my dad. did, and everybody that was around any. of these cities knew exactly who Bob and. Tom were. I knew who they were because. they had a little bit of a run on the. the Q the C the WB Network, maybe? Whenever I was in high school, they. would run at night. So, I'd known him. from the car, and I'd known him from. watching their show. And when I get to. Indianapolis, I know that they are in. town, and I'm this this massive fan. I.

actually know who they are. Every single. comedian in the history of comedy. stopped through their studio. They owned. it outright, totally. They were A lot of. people claim to be an inspiration for. this particular show. The Bob and Tom Show is the inspiration. for uh. this show. And Bob. was a guy who inspired me and motivated. me to do everything. The first time I. did stand-up is cuz Bob Kevoian said, "You could do it.".

The The time I did this show, Bob. Kevoian was the one who said you could. do it. Wrote for me, texted me, sent me. stuff. Alongside Becky in the. ThunderDome in our old office, he came. through, wanted to help. This is just. from not too long ago. He had been. battling cancer. uh for a while. They were taking um he. was taking some off-the-books. trials uh to maybe fix it. And I think. everybody around him kind of understood. what was kind of happening in front of. our eyes. And I think he knew it as.

well. And he ended up being a Hall of Famer in. the radio world. And uh he was somebody that was really. special to everything that I'm doing and. everything that I am. I will miss the [ __ ] out of him as he. passed away as we're heading out to. WrestleMania and everything's been such. a blur and I wanted to wait until we had. the hat here. uh on the desk to really pay him his. tribute that he deserves, but I love Bob. Kevoyan. Bob Kevoyan is uh a huge piece. of my entire life.

my entire life journey. And uh he'll be. remembered forever by me as a man that. helped me. in every single stage of basically my. professional existence. So, I love him. Rest in peace, Bob. To. Becky, to his entire family, I'm so. sorry uh that you guys have obviously. had to go through this. The The way he. went out was with his best friends. surrounding him, his wife surrounding. him. They're listening to a Beatles. album, and as which is his favorite, they're a super musical family. He loved.

music. He made songs. Actually, the last. time he was in here, he made a song. Uh which is hilarious to think about. what his final words were, which is like. so him. Um They listened to this album, and I guess literally he took his last. breath as the last song was kind of. wrapping up with his friends and family. surrounding him. And uh. he's a he's a wonderful man, and I was. lucky to know him, thankful to know him. And uh I'm sure he's smoking 4,000. cigarettes in heaven right now. I I I. assume he is.

he is doing that, but uh. yeah, we love you, Bob. You did good, man. I appreciate the hell out of you, Bob. Yeah, he uh he was awesome, man. >> Yes, he was. >> He was cool dude. Just such a smart ass all the time. Such a smart I mean, his house. you had to push a nipple to get to it. You know, like to get to a back room. that he had, which was a studio. They. had like hidden for Bob It was like. everything about his life was just like. thought out, funny, fun.

You know, like everything about him. I I. his time, every time I was around him. was great. And uh. I'm thankful for him. I'm very, very. thankful for him. But, this will be for. him. And also, I mean, it sucks. that he's not going to be able to watch. [ __ ] Shohei, you know, in this team right now. But, I. know he loved experiencing everything. that happened with the Dodgers. He was a. huge Colts fan. The The Bob and Tom Show so fascinating. They started in Michigan, okay? Uh Tom. Griswold, Bob Kevoian. They started in. Michigan, they come down to Indianapolis.

to kind of run their [ __ ] Then they. start creating them business-wise, they. they start this show, this morning show, they start getting guests, they start. really taking over Indianapolis, Indiana, they start doing really well. And then all of a sudden, they start. syndicating their show, and all of a. sudden, they they. They got offered to go to Sirius the. same time like Howard Stern got offered. They stayed on free radio just cuz they. wanted to hit everybody in the driver's. cuz Sirius wasn't as big yet, and they. maintained that throughout. Tom. Griswold, Chick McGee, Kristi, um. I think Sam Griswold, Tom's kid, uh. they're still doing the show right now.

They They're still doing this. Still. doing free radio in the morning, and. they're just like absolute legends. And. uh they took care of me, and uh kind of. set us up, and Bob was literally the. biggest supporter of all time. Some. comedian came in to Bob and Tom Show, and he had these questions. listed out in front of him, and then his. answers. And then they were handed We were all. handed the questions. Okay? This is a comedian that I was like. a big fan of.

Comes in the studio. and then lo and behold, I don't say. anything, but I'm watching these people. just ask the question and then I'm. watching him read answer, read joke. Okay? Then next one, then next one. All. good jokes, I would say. But then my. immediate thought is like, well, who. wrote that? Like who who And I thought. we were, you know, I thought it was any. I almost felt like, you know, uh. like kayfabe. I almost felt I I I almost. felt like kayfabe. I was like, oh, no, like this is how this goes. I grew up in. a car I was in a car a lot, so like talk.

radio and stuff like that. I I almost. felt like, oh, no, this is one of those. like cheating husband like gimmick. character. I didn't know I thought this. was like this entire thing. So I was. like mad. I was like, I didn't [ __ ]. know that. I can't trust anybody. anymore. I Wait, what what is the deal. here? And uh Bob goes uh a lot of these. comedians they they got other people. writing their [ __ ] They're just. incredibly at uh at delivering or. whatever. You can't judge them for it. That's their [ __ ] thing. They don't. like the song, they just sing it or. whatever. He goes, if if stand-up comedy. you think is so easy for you to I'll. write the [ __ ] you do it or we can.

write it, you do it. Why don't you do. that? I was like, [ __ ] you, I'll do it. He goes, all right, let's go. And we. rented out the theater. That is. literally He helped me write the entire. thing. And then we did Uncaged, we. filmed it. And uh that was literally. like kind of our relationship. It. started from that. And like everything. we did, he was like helping and writing. and sending ideas. Cuz whenever you're. on the air doing radio, especially 6:00. a.m. to 10:00 a.m. trying to fill time. I mean, that is That's before internet, that's before that. So you're just. trying to fill time. So many ideas for. things that could cross over into.

internet, you know, like, hey, we did. this. And even if it wasn't the exact. idea, it's like, oh, that's a good. premise to kind of build off of. It was. like He's just always helped, always, literally since day one. And uh. yeah, the world will miss him. The world. will miss him. But he did good, man. >> Absolute legend. >> Absolute [ __ ] legend. >> Yeah. >> Actually. >> Legit. >> So many cigarettes. >> Beast. >> I mean they each cigarettes did exactly. what they said they would. >> Yeah. >> You know, like he he the cigarettes did. exactly what he thought and said said.

they were going to do, you know? And. I think he's yeah, well that's just. >> They moved him into vapes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cuz he was told like, "Hey, better. alternative here." He was just. blowing. >> Mowing them down. >> I mean just blowing through these. >> He did, brother. He [ __ ] did. Legit. And uh. He was always humble. Like never. >> He was very nice to the Beagle boys, which. >> Yeah, big time. >> Always always appreciative. >> And his backyard just had like a par. three over a par like he was just like.

everything was like, "Hey, let's have a. good time." Pool, like let's have a good. time. House the way it's set up, let's. have a good time. We got this, let's. have it It was just always like such a. [ __ ]. Mhm. He's the world lost a good one. And Becky, who was his tag team partner, I mean they were like a perfect. tag team there. Sad man. But it's life. >> Mhm. >> We shall continue. Cuz you have to. >> Yeah. >> Actually. We love you, Bob. We miss you, Bob. All right, we'll be back tomorrow. Let's do the sports tomorrow in the.

biggest way. Six games tonight. Let's. have it Let's have NBA playoffs. >> Here we go. >> If they're still happening, the serieses. are good. >> Yeah. >> NHL, if they're still happening, serieses are good. So let's remember. that as we're watching these things. Now, if teams are just slaughtering. teams tonight, like that could happen in. basketball. There's 11 and a half, 12. and a half points tonight. There's some. uh potential beatings on the way. Just. take back everything I just said. And uh. let's let's just. >> tomorrow. >> tomorrow or tomorrow. We'll say. tomorrow's going to be awesome, but. let's assume there's going to be great. [ __ ] tonight out of the playoffs. Let's.

assume the NFL is going to continue to. cook. Golf is happening in a huge way. >> Mhm. >> Which we're obviously pumped up about. F1's taking place. IndyCar just started. I think their [ __ ] for the Indy 500. Okay, so NASCAR. Uh it it is almost May, just a few days. away. NASCAR's in the middle of its. season. I think there's a guy um. Bill would know this better. There's a man named Cletus. Cletus. My name is Pat. This is AJ. D-Butt. >> What up, Cletus? >> That's uh one half of the hammer.

Cowboys AP Tone, Toxic Table's here at. Boss Connor and at Ty Schmidt. Boys in. back there, graphics on boys. Uh I. believe he is a NASCAR driver, but also. a YouTuber. Bailey McCormick who has a. shattered ankle. uh explained to me who this lad is. Incredible name. I've had multiple. people tell me that we need to link up. with him. I've heard he's putting on. event uh an event over in uh Brownsburg, which I used to live next to. There's a. drag strip over there that they race and. it is loud. >> That's. >> You know, like Todd Monken talked about.

the music uh at practice and the. neighbors need last for him to turn it. down. He said that you need to move. Living in Brownsburg, which I did, this. strip whenever it was operating very. loud, very cool. I've been there before. A lot of booze over there watching a lot. of horsepower kind of showcase. I guess. Cletus is putting together an event over. there. I would love to say what's up, dude. Would love to chit-chat. I think. he's a YouTubing racer person. Excited. to get his thoughts on. G1. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cletus. >> Yeah, I'm excited to hear what Cletus. has to say about G1 racing. I'm excited.

about it. >> We know. Sorry, no that. >> It's called the Indy 800 Burnout Rivals. Cletus. >> Oh, right. >> and Cars. and Indy 800 returning May 1st and May. 2nd, 2026. Cletus and Cars event details, let's go. ahead and scroll down here. Let's get. some infos on this. Uh Burnout Rivals, uh can you go over. the Burnout Rivals part? Uh Bill just crutched back here. Bill, sit your ass down.

On Saturday, May 2nd, the fan favorite. Cletus and Cars Burnout Rivals will. return with both a professional and open. competition. Pink slips may be going. away. Maybe maybe in the open. Registration is. now open for the professional and open. competition portion of the event through. Freedom Factory. Entries are 100 bucks. and each ride is subject to approval. from Freedom Factory. before admittance into the event. Each. entry includes a burnout vehicle, driver, and tow vehicle. All burnout. rival competitors must follow these. rules. One, helmet. Two, neck collar. Need those. Three, fire suit. Okay, so.

what the [ __ ] is this? >> Yeah, so this is incredible. So they. pour a dedicated little bit of concrete. and then it's just you can either be an. open person that comes in and brings a. vehicle or there's like some. professionals that come around and do. it. It's incredible. There's just rubber. flying everywhere. You can't breathe. anything. It's great. >> Okay, so. >> Okay. >> They pour. >> It's a fresh pad of concrete like in the. middle of the drag strip. >> Okay. >> So that way they don't mess up the drag. strip at all. But then they will also, the one year that I went, they were. doing drag pulls. They did bring out. some of the rocket cars to do the drag.

It's just a great time hanging out at. the drag strip. >> Okay, so it's a lot of horsepower. >> Yeah. >> on display at the drag strip. Okay, which I respect. I also appreciate them. saying, "Hey, we pour new concrete so. you actual people don't get pissed off. at us." That's putting out a lot of. fires. We have to do that in our world. Are these like nitrous rush cars? Like. is Nick getting his Subaru Impreza in. there or with the carbon fiber hood and. the fart bucket on the back? >> Sure. Is he getting in there? Like who. who is it? >> It can be anything. So like I saw there. was like a guy that had like a Ford F I. think it was like a 650 that he turned.

into a burnout vehicle. It's also people. that just bring in little like Honda. Civics that are juiced to the gills just. to do burnouts. It's pretty good time. >> Okay, so it's burnout fest, not race. They're not drag strip and against each. other. They're burning out against each. other. >> They will also do the drags. I I don't. think you can do open on the drags. I. wasn't there while they were doing open. on the drags at least. I was just there. for burnout fest and then they also do. the freedom I think it's 800, which is. all Crown Vics and it's a bunch of. YouTubers and notable people that. actually race an 800 mile. >> Are you doing it, bud? >> Are you in there or is that it cuz of.

the ankle injury you're not going to be. able to do it? >> Uh, yeah, unfortunately, I I had to get. get on the IR. Have to miss out this. year. >> The Indy 800. I'll tell you, I have. inhaled some fumes at this uh bridge uh. Brownsburg uh track. It's a good time. I. don't think I've ever seen somebody have. a bad time at this place. >> Oh, it's Cletus. Young young guy, probably mid-20s. >> Is it what he's named after? >> Yeah, there there's yeah, it's it's. >> What is it? This is part of it? >> Monster truck? >> With the. >> I was going to say.

>> Monster trucks are [ __ ] running over. cars. >> Yeah, yeah, I believe it. It's a great. day here. >> They got it all. >> Yeah, I went 2 years ago. So, this is. last year's. That's. >> Incredible. >> This is Cletus's and friends thing. Is. this. >> Yeah, it's a 2-year thing. Bruce pulled. it up. I think this is the highlights. from last year. >> Oh, Cletus. I like where we're going all. of a sudden. I like where we're going. all of a sudden. Indy 800 qualifying. time. Oh, they're just going in a tight little. circle over there. All right, Cletus. We'd love to chat. about it. If you want to come through, come on through. We can race something. in here probably.

>> Mhm, yeah, for sure. >> We can race something in here. >> Yeah, why not? >> Chairs? We can put a rocket on it. >> RC cars? >> We can get uh. We can maybe. uh Tim McAfee to come in here and Tim. Allen this thing, maybe put a little. rocket power on top of these chairs. You. know what I mean? Go down to basement. and you know, do the whole. the whole [ __ ] thing and what not. >> How is Tim Allen doing? >> He's still bringing it? >> Oh, yeah. >> He never stopped. He's still bringing. it. >> He never stopped. >> Yeah, Tim Allen could sell out uh. theater in any city he wanted for the. rest of his life, I think. So, I think.

he has. >> Toy Story 5 just dropped a new trailer. today. >> Looks great. >> And also, I think. Nope. >> Mhm. >> Nope, now is not the time. >> Yeah, I know where you're going with. >> Yeah, now is. >> Right, and hold on to that one. >> Yeah, we'll keep that one. Right there. I was. You know, sometimes whenever we're at. the super duper [ __ ] events, you like. hear stuff from people and it's like. I don't think I'm supposed to hear that. >> Yeah. All time. >> I I don't know. I don't. >> Big news about shifting gears or. >> Great show. >> Yeah.

Is that what it's called? >> Yeah. >> Tell a friend something nice about my. chain. >> ABC. >> Great work in the back, boys. Great work. back there. Yeah, big thumbs up. >> Those new Toy Story sucked, dude. >> [ __ ] you. [ __ ] you. That is not me at. all. >> The first three were unbelievable. >> Three. >> Okay. Okay. I You read the same tweet. >> The four was great. >> You guys read the same tweet this. morning. >> And now you're all just Yeah, you know. what? They're right. >> I didn't see this tweet. I'm in the. middle of Toy Story with my daughter.

Four is bad? >> Oh, it's not bad at all. >> But it doesn't bring the requisite juice. that one through three do. >> Disagree. >> In my humble opinion. >> Forky sucks. >> Five, they're getting the juice back. >> Three is not great. Three is great. Three is not great. >> That's a nice little nice That's a good. story. >> It's like the Kardashians. >> It's not a trilogy if there's four or. five. >> Well, yeah, I shouldn't have said. >> Hey, we appreciate the hell out of. you. We'd like to give a big thanks to you.

We couldn't do this without. you. >> Yes, he does not do it. >> Prick. >> [ __ ]. >> Of course. I'd be pointing in the wrong. direction. >> Oh, you're not. >> All right, straight ahead. >> Great point. Straight ahead. >> See, AJ doesn't point at me. >> See, AJ doesn't want to show love to. you. Okay. Okay. They show a little bit of. love to you.

IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT. YOU. WHERE WHERE YOU, AJ? AJ don't want to. show love to you. Oh, okay. You get in. on that one. Wow, what a hero. We'll see you tomorrow. Team on me. Team. on three. One, two, three. Team. Good. night. >> Hi.